Aditya Shrivastava
The teenage years are like a rollercoaster ride for many of us. One moment, we are feeling euphoric, and the next moment, we are exhausted and depressed. Some of us are confused and scared due to the hormonal, physical, and emotional changes we are going through. There are also various pressures that we have to deal with, such as peer, academic, social, and family. Not all of us are mentally strong enough to withstand these pressures. Because of that, stress, anxiety, and inferiority complex become our constant companions.
Mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, are common among us. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more and more adolescents are reporting poor mental health. In 2021, a survey revealed that more than 4 in 10 students felt “persistently sad or hopeless.” About one-third of them experienced poor mental health. The survey also found that more than 1 in 5 students “seriously” contemplated attempting suicide. And 1 in 10 students attempted to take their own lives. The report noted suicide was the second leading cause of death in the age group of 10 to 14.
Unexpected curveballs are thrown at us every day, and there are so many things to figure out. On top of that, our parents expect us to be top performers in every field, including academics and sports. As we struggle to navigate this period of our lives, we need the support of our parents, teachers, and community.
Teen happiness is a complex and dynamic concept shaped by various psychosocial elements. Factors such as positive relationships, autonomy, and a sense of belonging are instrumental in crafting a teenager’s well-being. Academic engagement, involvement in extracurricular pursuits, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle further contribute to the intricate mosaic of teen happiness. However, it is essential to recognize the diversity of teenage experiences, acknowledging that individual preferences and sources of joy may differ widely.
The Epidemic of Teen
Depression
While the pursuit of teen happiness is a universal quest, the modern era has witnessed an alarming rise in the epidemic of teen depression. Academic pressures, societal expectations, identity struggles, and the pervasive influence of digital media contribute to the vulnerability of teenagers. The consequences are profound, with rates of depression reaching unprecedented levels globally. The urgency of addressing the teen depression crisis cannot be overstated, as its implications extend far beyond individual suffering, impacting families, communities, and society as a whole.
The Role of Social Media
in Teen Depression
A significant contributor to teen depression is the pervasive nature of social comparison in the digital age. Social media platforms provide an incessant stream of carefully curated images and experiences, creating an environment where teens constantly compare themselves to their peers. The pressure to conform to perceived societal norms and expectations often leads to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Recognizing and addressing the impact of social comparison is essential in tackling the roots of teen depression.
What Teens can
do to be happy?
The foundation of a teenager’s well-being is linked to the quality of their social connections and the support they receive from friends and community. Research consistently underscores the importance of social interaction in adolescent happiness. Teenagers who actively engage in social activities, form meaningful friendships, and establish connections within their communities often experience a more profound sense of well-being. The significance of social bonds lies not only in providing a support system but also in creating a sense of belonging, which is vital during the tumultuous period of adolescence.
Making friends is a critical aspect of social well-being for teenagers. The journey of forming connections extends beyond mere acquaintanceship to the cultivation of deep, genuine friendships. Adolescents who are able to forge such bonds experience emotional security and a heightened sense of self-worth. Schools, extracurricular activities, and community events serve as fertile grounds for teenagers to meet and connect with like-minded peers. Encouraging participation in these settings can significantly contribute to a teenager’s social development and overall happiness.
Kindness is another powerful component that contributes to the well-being of teenagers. Acts of kindness, whether big or small, create a positive and inclusive social environment. When teenagers experience kindness from their peers, teachers, and community members, they are more likely to feel valued and accepted. In turn, engaging in acts of kindness fosters a sense of empathy and altruism, promoting a positive cycle of social interaction. Schools and communities can play a pivotal role in nurturing a culture of kindness through awareness campaigns, initiatives, and educational programs.
Additionally, healthy habits, both physical and mental, play a crucial role in supporting the overall well-being of teenagers. Regular physical activity has been linked to improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced cognitive function. Encouraging teenagers to participate in sports, exercise routines, or outdoor activities can positively impact their mental health. Similarly, promoting mindfulness practices, such as meditation and relaxation techniques, equips teenagers with tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience.
Creating an environment that prioritizes these elements requires collaboration between parents, educators, and community leaders. Schools can implement programs that promote social inclusion and emotional well-being, providing teenagers with the skills and resources they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. Moreover, communities can organize events and initiatives that facilitate social interaction and foster a sense of belonging.
How Teens Can Utilize
Hedonic Adaptation
Hedonic adaptation, a psychological phenomenon where individuals return to a baseline level of happiness despite positive or negative events, can be a powerful tool for teens combating depression. Understanding that the allure of external achievements and possessions is often fleeting, teens can shift their focus towards sustainable sources of happiness. By embracing gratitude, cultivating meaningful relationships, and finding joy in the present moment, teens can break free from the cycle of perpetual comparison and find contentment in their own journey.
Promoting Teen
Happiness in Community, Schools, and Society
School Curriculum Integration: Collaborating with educational institutions to integrate principles of well-being into the curriculum is a crucial step in addressing the teen depression crisis. Positive psychology, mindfulness practices, and resilience-building activities can become integral components of the educational environment, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere. By placing an emphasis on mental health education, schools can equip teenagers with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of their emotional well-being.
Community Workshops and Support Groups: Community engagement plays a vital role in creating a supportive environment for teens. Organizing workshops and support groups that draw on the principles of well-being studies can empower parents, educators, and community members to actively contribute to the well-being of teens. By fostering open dialogue and providing a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies, communities can become pillars of support for teenagers facing the challenges of adolescence.
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Destigmatizing conversations around teen depression is a critical aspect of addressing the crisis. Implementing mental health awareness campaigns in schools and communities creates a culture of open dialogue. Disseminating information and resources from well-being studies contributes to a more informed and understanding society. By normalizing discussions around mental health, society can break down the barriers that prevent teenagers from seeking help and support.
Online Resources and Peer Support: Leveraging online platforms to disseminate insights from well-being studies and establishing peer support networks can reach a broader audience. Online forums and social media campaigns provide spaces for teens to share experiences and coping strategies, fostering a sense of connection and support. Recognizing the pervasive influence of digital media, these platforms can serve as both educational tools and sources of community for teenagers navigating the challenges of adolescence.
In conclusion, in the ongoing quest to nurture teen happiness and address the pressing issue of the depression crisis, insights from comprehensive well-being perspectives stand as invaluable guides. Supporting teen happiness and mental health is super important, but also complicated. There’s no quick fix. We need to look at the whole picture – how teens feel stress from school, friends, family, and stuff they see online. Well-being research helps show it’s a big issue impacting a lot of kids.
If we all work on this, even in small ways, it can create positive change. Teens feeling good about themselves and having healthy coping strategies matters for now and their whole future lives. By coming together around teen well-being from all directions, we give them the environment all kids deserve – one where they can truly thrive. The world deserves a better version of us.
Aditya Shrivastava is a Lynnfield resident and junior at The Governor’s Academy in Byfield, MA. He is doing research as part of his AP Stat course about correlation between self-advocacy and mental health problems among teenagers. You can take the survey here:
