Being a teenager is one of the toughest and most memorable things that one goes through in life. A teenager goes through many happy times and many depressing times. Stress, depression, and peer pressure are some negative things that teenagers go through in life. Friends and dating are joyful times that teenagers face in their adolescent years in today’s society.
Tension, stress, and depression affect everyone at one time or another in their life. A death in the family, arguing with and losing a friend, being bullied or teased, peer pressure to wear certain types of clothing or hairstyles, try tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, are all factors that can create stress and may cause uncertainty and depression.
There are many causes of stress, such as lack of affection and tension from parents, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be a major problem for teens because of the importance placed on looks and achievement in our society today. According to Patricia Shapiro in A Parents’ Guide to Childhood and Adolescent Depression (1994), “three to six million children under the age of 18 may suffer from clinical depression.
Thousands of others probably experience less serious bouts of stress and depression, although most such cases go untreated and unreported.”
“Large amounts of homework or overdue assignments can be overwhelming. School can be very stressful because you may feel rejected by peers or criticized and embarrassed by teachers.”
A healthy part of every child’s development is involvement with their peers. This is especially true during adolescence as teenagers develop a sense of independence from their parents.
Members of the peer group often dress alike. They talk about similar things, like the same music, laugh at the same jokes, and share secrets. Adolescents spend much of their time away from home, whether at school, social events, or the homes of their friends.
