TODAY'S TEENS
Teens and depression
Teens and depression
Teens and depression
Teen depression is a serious mental health problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teenager thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.
Challenging Stages
Teens and depression
Teens and depression
Adolescence is always an unsettling time, with the many physical, emotional, psychological and social changes that accompany this stage of life.
Managing it All
Teens and depression
Managing it All
Unrealistic academic, social, or family expectations can create a strong sense of rejection and can lead to deep disappointment. When things go wrong at school or at home, teens often overreact.
what teens face today
Mental Health Issues
- Anxiety and Depression: Mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression, are increasingly common among teens. The pressures of school, social life, family expectations, and the constant bombardment of information through social media contribute to these challenges.
- Suicide and Self-Harm: Rates of self-harm and suicide have been rising, partly due to stress, bullying, and mental health struggles.
Social Media and Technology
- Cyberbullying: The rise of social media and online platforms has made bullying more pervasive, especially with the ability to harass someone 24/7.
- Social Comparison and FOMO: Teens are often bombarded with curated versions of other people's lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and "Fear of Missing Out" (FOMO).
- Addiction and Screen Time: Excessive use of phones, video games, and social media can lead to issues like sleep deprivation, social isolation, and difficulty concentrating.
Identity and Self-Esteem
- Body Image Issues: Social media's portrayal of "ideal" beauty standards has contributed to body dissatisfaction among teens, especially girls.
- Gender and Sexual Identity: As societal views on gender and sexuality continue to evolve, teens may struggle with understanding and expressing their identities. Some may face discrimination or a lack of acceptance from peers or family.
- Peer Pressure: The desire to fit in can lead to risky behavior, such as substance use, unsafe sexual activity, or involvement in unhealthy friendships or groups.
teen issues today are multifaceted and intertwined
Academic and Career Pressure
Academic and Career Pressure
Academic and Career Pressure
High Expectations: With intense competition for college admissions, many teens face enormous pressure to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and build impressive resumes. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.
Uncertainty About the Future: Teens today are also aware of economic instability
High Expectations: With intense competition for college admissions, many teens face enormous pressure to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and build impressive resumes. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.
Uncertainty About the Future: Teens today are also aware of economic instability, climate change, and global unrest. This uncertainty about the future can create anxiety, as they feel overwhelmed by the challenges that lie ahead.
Family Issues
Academic and Career Pressure
Academic and Career Pressure
- Divorce and Family Conflict: Teens from broken homes or those experiencing family conflict often struggle with emotional stress, feelings of abandonment, or a lack of support.
- Economic Struggles: Economic instability at home can lead to anxiety about the future, access to resources, or even homelessness for some teens.
Substance Abuse
Academic and Career Pressure
Substance Abuse
- Alcohol and Drugs: Teenagers are often exposed to substances like alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs, which they may use to cope with stress, peer pressure, or mental health issues.
- Vaping: The rise of e-cigarettes and vaping has led to an increase in nicotine use among teens, raising concerns about long-term health effects.