Tag: TeenAnxiety

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Peer Relationships and Social Anxiety in Teens

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Fearful youth may prioritize competence with Peers and close Friendships.

As a secondary educator, I witnessed adolescence as a critical period marked by numerous physical, emotional, and social changes. It’s a time when peer relationships become essential as teenagers strive to fit in, establish their identity, and navigate the complex landscape of social interactions. Recently, I came across such confessions from one of my students whose social interaction with her peer became the source of immense stress and discomfort, leading to social anxiety. This article will explore the complex relationship between peer relationships and social anxiety in teenagers, shedding light on the factors contributing to social anxiety and ways to address and manage it. Continue reading “Peer Relationships and Social Anxiety in Teens” →

How Do I Know If My Adult Child Is Emotionally Constipated?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Why Children Become Emotionally Explosive in Their Adulthood?

As a secondary school educator, I frequently hear stories of being passive and aggressive, especially from parents. Behaviours like these may have many reasons such as academic, family or peer pressure etc. But sometimes, these reasons have lasting effects on teens mental and physical health if proper actions cannot be taken on time. I recently met one of my previous students who is now becoming a registered nurse from a well-known healthcare institute. The way she was talking to me, it seems like she has a lot to say. We spent almost 2 hours talking about her recent transitions in professional life, where she shared her bitter experiences as well. While leaving, she said, “Sir, you know it’s been four years since I talked that much…I am glad I met you”. I always feel proud whenever I met my students, and after all these years, they still recognize me. However, I know her since school days, and I realize the feeling behind her last words when she was leaving. In today’s pandemic and virtually depressed times, teens are more exposed to mental depression where they don’t want to express their feelings to anyone – making them emotionally constipated. Continue reading “How Do I Know If My Adult Child Is Emotionally Constipated?” →

Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

Adolescent suicides are preventable. What parents and educators should know about the reasons, the warning signs and the preventive steps that can protect their teens?

Last week, one of my friends shared an unexpected incident with me about her twelve-year-old niece. She used to maintain a diary in which she takes notes about her daily activities and reflections. One day, her mother was shocked to read some of the entries from her diary where she mentioned that “…I think my life is empty as nobody, even my mother, understands me…I think I should kill myself.” This journal entry of a twelve-year-old gives us a clear look at what kind of stress our teenagers are going through especially when they are confining to their homes, socially distant from their friends and relatives. However, the much-needed question is, are parents aware of how to handle such kind of circumstances? Or what steps parents should take to mitigate the risk? Continue reading “Teen Depression | Are You Feeling Suicidal?” →

What It’s Like To Be A Teenager During The Times Of Pandemic?

Posted on by Ahmad Amirali

What new challenges young people face in the era of Covid? What parents (adults) should know about these challenges?

Many of the students recently shared their post-Covid experiences with me during their new term orientation last week. However, the majority of them share a similar phrase, ‘Parents just don’t understand’. Although, this phrase is an old refrain, in present time it has a new definition. I sensed from my students’ reflections that they think their parents should be aware of their challenging moments. As most teenagers are now cut off from schools, their friends, sports, hobbies and everything else that filled their pre-pandemic days, the parent-child relationship is now under more stress than ever.

Jessica Grose, a journalist and novelist at NY Times, writes about parenting adolescents’ challenges in one of her articles ‘ The Hardest Fight to Have With Your Teen.’

‘I have long thought that it might be the hardest for parents of teenagers when it comes to being a parent in the pandemic. Parents of little ones can meet most of our children’s social needs, and our kids still kind of want to be around us. Not so for parents of teens….’ Continue reading “What It’s Like To Be A Teenager During The Times Of Pandemic?” →