Adolescence is a unique and developmental time. Multiple changes happen all at the same time in more ways than one; physical, emotional and social. These changes can also be times of stress and apprehension. Adolescence can be an exciting and challenging journey on your way to becoming an adult.
The psychological problems that surface during adolescence and the following ways that can help you overcome them:
Link between hormones & behavior is complex:
There is a type of irrational behavior exhibited by adolescence Hormones may contribute to psychological development in adolescence. Many changes in your body due to new chemicals called Hormone
I’m so Happy, I’m so Sad:
Emotional highs are the well-storied challenge of adolescence. Hormones can give you mood swings, sometimes without any reason. Don’t worry. Be Gentle to yourself, it’s normal to feel like that. If you feel sad, tired, overly anxious, overwhelmed, guilty or hopeless for a long time, it may be a sign that you are depressed. Being depressed is not something you should be embarrassed about. You must try talking to your parents, teachers and a school counselor/guidance counselor about it.
You may not like the way you look:
Many teenagers have an unnatural concern about their body weight. You may start feeling shy with your body or have a body image. Body image is how you think your body looks and how it is when you compare bodies around you, could be in movies, magazines or others. You may tend to have an unrealistic image of being like one. There is so much pressure that young boys and girls join gym early which can stunt bodily growth by heavy lifts. You need to remember that your health is far more important than you look.
Rejection-It happens to everyone:
Rejection is trying to want something and being turned down or not accepted. It can make you sad, angry, disappointed or even insecure and it is important to understand that there isn’t something wrong with you. It also doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the person rejecting you, as we are all entitled to our own opinions. Handling Rejection is an added challenge during this life stage. The focus should be on developing an all-embracing attitude/perspective.
Adolescence is a time of opportunity, not turmoil:
Teens experience emotions intensely. It is a cause of brain development. This is the best time to promote healthy development by the adults around or the caregivers to create opportunities to develop a set of core assets , the 5’Cs- Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character and Caring for social, emotional and cognitive development.
Safely Navigating Adolescence-
Having at least one adult that you can trust that you can talk to about things that are happening or how you’re feeling can be really helpful. Some people find that a parent , grandparent, older sibling , or aunt can be very helpful. It may not be comfortable for one to open-up about feelings to everyone. So if this is the case a teacher, older sibling or may some you can talk to and help you safely navigate adolescence. As you may find that some adults are not good listeners. Sometimes, they like to talk and tell young people how to feel and what to think. It is really important for you to find an adult who respects you enough to listen to what you have to say, someone who can remember what it’s like to be young and can help you without judging you or trying to always tell you what to do.
Emotional and Cognitive Changes during Adolescence
| Emotional | Cognitive |
| Sense of identity develops | Capacity for setting goals and following through increases |
| Occasional rudeness with parents occur | Risk-taking behaviors may emerge |
| Friends and peers influence clothing styles and interests | Intellectual interests expand |
| Ability to use speech to express feelings improve | More importance is placed on ambitions and role in life |
| Complaints that parents interfere with independence increase | Work habits become more defined |
Tips for Parents of ADolescent:
- Your teen is a growing adult, do not disrespect
- Remember that not every disagreement is a conflict
- Do not worry if your teen has started demonstrating melodramatic tendencies
- Don’t take it to heart when a teen criticizes adult opinions
- They may challenge you, but they still need you
Did you like this article? Let us know, it would be our pleasure if you share your feedback, comments and suggestions with us. Follow the blog or our Facebook Page to receive regular updates of such articles.
Follow us on: https://www.facebook.com/SGVPInternationalSchool/
Learn more about SGVP at: http://www.sgvp.org
