Smh: Teenagers

Teenagers, oh teenagers. We are the most misunderstood community in the world! What we mean and what we say is completely contradictory and I’m pretty sure the one thing that you and I can agree on is that no one understands us. Being a teenager is hard, it’s a time filled with drama, pressure, and over-flowing anxiety. It’s when we’re told to do what makes us happy, yet we have to do certain things to keep up our image, as our reputation is so easily tarnished.

Through this article, I wanted to express some of the most pressing concerns and problems we as teenagers face today.

Anxiety

“Oh god, oh god, oh god. My assignment is due tomorrow and I’ve hardly started writing it!” How many times have we said that and the panic then slowly starts eating us. We won’t be able to focus on what we’re doing, instead, we worry about what would happen if we don’t get it done in time. Anxiety doesn't have to be only about school and education. It is the fear and worry that escalates to anxiety and trust me that happens fast. It can be fear of not becoming successful or not being good enough or you’re scared that a boy won’t like you or you’re worried that you won’t get in your school play.

It’s okay.

Remember if you’re feeling stressed out, all you need to do is calm down. Easier said than done right?! But one thing that can help you at times like this is mindless masti. Okay, now what is mindless masti? It’s something I read in an article a few days ago that really caught my eye. It’s the kind of joy you feel when you do something you love. May it be baking, reading, playing cricket with your friends, or just binge-watching Brooklyn-nine-nine on Netflix.

Another thing you can do is plan. Instead of stressing and being chaotic, plan how you should work about a day and set small goals for yourself to achieve a sense of fulfillment and success.

FOMO

Well, well, well, here it finally comes, the one thing all teenagers face. Fear of Missing Out. Social media rules our life. We wake up to Instagram and sleep to Snapchat. We see so many things that the people around us are doing through social media, that sometimes that sticks to our minds and doesn’t let go. When you see your friends hang out together without you, a nagging sensation forms like you’re stranded on an island with no way to go out.

It hurts. Badly. Keep in mind that you don’t have to be a part of the “cool” gang if nobody respects you. Find people that matter, who care about you, and will stand with you. Be grateful for things you have and don’t always complain. Take a break from social media every now and then to clear your mind and get your priorities in order.

All in all, teenage life is a hard time to get by, so don’t worry if you get mood swings or snap at people or even be a push-over. Sort out your priorities and set a limit for yourself. After all, we are insanely cool people who can achieve anything and everything. And yes, we are always ready for a zombie apocalypse but not for the math test the next day;)

Writer: Isha Ittina

Cover Design: Adya