Today, teen depression and anxiety are major concerns for parents. Both affect not only a students’ studies but their home life.
What was true a generation ago is still true today: Teens are unpredictable and difficult to figure out. However, depression is a very real emotion. Adolescence can be a very turbulent and difficult time, even for the most well-adjusted child.
A survey report from Pew Research Center regarding American teens reveals that they are facing a host of challenges—the most common being depression and anxiety, especially at school. According to the latest Pew research, the majority of teens (68 percent) feel pressure to get good grades.
Middle and high school students are under more stress than ever before. The majority of students (60 percent) feel constant stress over homework and feel overwhelmed.
Friends can improve teenage mental health
Friendships play a crucial role while growing up and especially among teenagers. Research shows that strong friendships during adolescence can help set a child up for success later in life.
Three ways teens can improve their friendships
Eighty-nine percent of teens say they have at least one close friend they feel they can trust or turn to if they need emotional support. Although that is a high percentage, there are still many who are feeling alone or left-out.
1. Learning resilience and coping strategies. Friendships can be complicated, especially among young people dealing with all the emotional and physical changes of puberty.
Teaching teens emotional resilience will help them navigate the inevitable challenges that come with teenage friendships. Encourage them to see their experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Share strategies for coping with rejection or conflict, such as engaging in a calming activity or talking things over with a trusted friend or family member before things explode.
Resilience also plays a role in building healthy relationships. Resilient people can handle conflict more effectively and maintain stronger, more satisfying social connections. Emotional fortitude can be beneficial in professional as well as spheres of life.
2. Staying connected to a friend. Maybe it’s a gym day (working out), movies, or mall. It’s important to detach from electronic devices and spend actual time in person with friend(s).
Talking by text, DM, or social media should never take the place of spending actual time with a close friend. There might be a personal issue a friend (or your teen) is experiencing) that is not appropriate for text or phone chat; it needs a heart-to-heart let’s talk day.
Being able to have deep conversations with a close friend when you are stressed or burdened about something can be exactly what you need to relieve anxiety—knowing that someone cares enough to want to listen and understand your hurt and worries. In some situations, it’s all about someone willing to listen.
3. Being a friend. It comes back to that old cliché: In order to have a good friend, you must be a good friend. Most important, teens must understand that friendship works both ways. A good friend is there for you in the best of times as well as the worst.
- Friends don’t judge you, (online or off).
- Friends don’t intentionally hurt your feelings (online or off).
- Friends are there for you, no matter what.
- Friends are loyal and laugh with your (not at you).
- Friends are people whose company you enjoy.
- Friends are people you can trust.
Conclusion
Although teen depression and anxiety are soaring, good friends help teens to rise above sadness and stress. Keeping young people engaged with a circle of positive friendships and activities can lead to a bright future.
Also read:
Why Is My Teen Hanging With a Bad Crowd?
How to Convince Your Teen to Go to Counseling?
Image credit: Freepik
