Hurting to Be "Perfect":
The Risks of a Negative Self-Image
Signs of A Serious Problem
 Jennifer Dyl, PhD, of the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center, says that any change in a teen's prior functioning can be a sign of a problem. When a teenager no longer want to socialize and isolates him or herself from others, this is an example of what Dyl calls a serious "red flag."
Other red flags include:
- Becoming extremely preoccupied with appearance to the exclusion of other activities
- Engaging in rituals (such as frequent mirror checking and rechecking) which takes away from participation in normal activities
- Negative statements such as "I am so ugly" or "I am no good at this."
- Giving up on activities and/or schoolwork due to the belief that it is “hopeless” and there is “no point in trying"
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