Sign: Physical Appearance Changing
"Both my kids always looked great. I never had to beg them to take a shower. They always wore neat, clean clothing. Maybe I didn't like the styles, but at least they were clean. Now my daughter doesn't seem to care what she looks like. Her hair is a mess, her clothing is torn or not quite clean, and she just stares at me when I mention it. Sometimes I want to grab her hands and go at those nails with a nailbrush. It's embarrassing to have your kid look this way in public!"
Changes in how a teen dresses can simply be a sign of growing independence - they want to look more like their peers. However, if your teen is mimicking the dress styles of peer groups that tend to party and get into trouble at school, this can be a sign worth addressing!
Teens who suddenly seem no longer to care about their hygiene or general appearance could be suffering from depression or another psychological problem. Teens are acutely self-conscious in normal circumstances. Letting their appearance go is almost always a sign of deeper problems, whether it be depression, low self-esteem, or mimicry of a negative peer group. The more dramatic this change, the more concerned you should be.
