497- Toxic Relationship Red Flags and Interventions for Teens with ADHD
Apr 9, 2024
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Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis discusses toxic relationships for teens with ADHD, covering gaslighting, red flags, communication strategies, and supporting teens through unhealthy relationships. Insights shared on identifying signs of toxic relationships, setting boundaries, seeking help, and addressing abusive dynamics. The importance of monitoring phone use, recognizing suicidal behavior, and accessing resources highlighted.
Teens with ADHD need support in recognizing and ending toxic relationships.
Gaslighting in toxic relationships can exploit ADHD symptoms, affecting self-worth and reality.
After exiting a toxic relationship, teens with ADHD require consistent therapy and support.
Deep dives
Understanding Toxic Relationships in Teens with ADHD
Teens with ADHD are more susceptible to toxic relationships due to factors such as low self-esteem and difficulty connecting with peers. Dr. Stephanie Molten-Sarcus emphasizes the importance of caregivers helping teens identify signs of toxic relationships and supporting them in ending such relationships.
Gaslighting and Manipulation in Toxic Relationships
Gaslighting, a manipulation tactic, is prevalent in toxic relationships where the perpetrator undermines the victim's reality and self-worth. Dr. Sarcus explains how gaslighters blame ADHD for their behavior, weaponize mental health issues, and use tactics like hoovering to maintain control over the victim.
Recovery and Support Strategies for Teens in Toxic Relationships
After leaving a toxic relationship, teens, especially those with ADHD, may struggle with trauma bonding and self-esteem issues. Dr. Molten-Sarcus stresses the importance of cutting off contact, seeking therapy, and providing consistent support to help teens navigate the challenges of rebuilding their well-being and self-regulation.
Recognizing Signs of Toxic Relationships
Common signs of toxic relationships include sudden changes in behavior or mood, secretive behavior, reluctance to discuss the relationship, changes in academic performance, and withdrawal from hobbies. These signs can often resemble symptoms of depression, making it crucial to engage in open communication with children to understand and address what they are experiencing.
Navigating Toxic Friendships for Children
When dealing with a child in a toxic friendship, parents can encourage open communication to discuss the friend's behavior and the child's feelings. Providing opportunities for the child to make new friends through clubs or groups can offer alternatives. Setting clear boundaries and potentially limiting contact with the toxic friend can be necessary, emphasizing the importance of preserving the child's well-being.
Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, Ph.D., explains what makes a relationship toxic and how to identify the signs, why adolescents with ADHD are at particularly high risk, and how to support teens through ending and recovering from an unhealthy relationship.
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