Most parents don't want to believe their teenager could be affected by violence or trauma. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth violence is the second leading cause of death for those between ages 10 and 24. As a parent, if you are aware of the signs that your teen is involved in a traumatic or violent situation, you'll know when they need help.

The Dangers of Dating
About 40 percent of teens face physical aggression in their dating relationships. Remind your teen that being slapped, kicked or hit are signs of abuse. If your daughter is dating someone who makes her feel uncomfortable, awkward, tense or frightened, tell her to trust her feelings -- it could become, or might already be, an emotionally abusive relationship.

Dealing with Bullies
More than one-quarter of children say they are bullied at school. Your child might be a victim if he or she:

• Is afraid to go to school or do organized activities with classmates
• Has unexplainable cuts or bruises
• Often cries or seems sad

Depressed or Suicidal Thoughts
Depression affects about five in 100 teenagers. Signs of teen depression include:

• Frequent crying
• Loss of self-confidence
• Lack of energy and interest in favorite activities
• Feelings of guilt
• Irritability
• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Poor school performance or frequent absences
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Wilma Carbonel-Mason, MSHCA, BSN, CCRN Chief Nurse Officer

Camino Real MHMR Maverick County recently formed a Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), which offers mobile mental health services to residents of Maverick County who may be unable or unwilling to seek help from other facilities. The team provides immediate access to assessment and crisis resolution.

Reach Out for Help
If your teenager is involved in a violent or crisis situation, the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) can help. Please call 830-773-5695 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday; or reach MCOT through our Crisis Hotline Services at 800-543-5750 (24-hour service/seven days a week).

This article is brought to you by the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center Trauma Team. The Trauma Team provides educational articles for every issue of Health News.