Journal Entry
Written by Hannah Jacobson
What’s happening? Did I do something wrong? Is it something I’m wearing? Did I eat too much food? Should I go to the gym? How do I get better grades? Do my teachers like me? If I strike out, will my teammates hate me? If I lose this game, is the coach going to make us run? Will my friends blame me? Do I need to get a job? Do my coworkers like me? Can I afford to attend the university I want to go to? Is my room clean enough for guests? What do I do if my parents suddenly die? Should I be reaching out to people more? Do my friends like me? Are my friends truly my friends? Are people going to judge my music taste? What if I pick the wrong restaurant? Should I take my ADHD meds today? Should I be in a relationship? Who am I going to go to prom with? Do I look weird in that picture? Should I post on social media for my friend's birthday? Will they post for me on my birthday? Did I ask the wrong question in class? Do people think I’m stupid for asking that question?
As a teenager, I have often pondered over these questions, and I know that many other teenagers have similar thoughts as well. We face immense pressure in every aspect of our lives, which can lead to overwhelming anxiety and for some, depression.
According to a 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey done by the CDC, they found that in 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health. And, more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) attempted suicide. It also found that nearly half (45%) of LGBQ+ students in 2021 seriously considered attempting suicide. These alarming statistics indicate that the number of teens struggling with mental health issues will continue to rise if they are not provided with a safe environment to talk about their problems and feel supported. It is crucial that both peers and adults share their mental health experiences with teens and explain how they manage their emotions with the help of a supportive community. We need to initiate a dialogue with teens and let them know that it is normal to feel the way they do and that there are ways to get help and support.