Understanding and Managing Teen Stress in Today's Fast-Paced World
Understanding and Managing Teen Stress in Today's Fast-Paced World
In the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in, understanding and managing mental health, particularly for teenagers, has become an urgent priority.
Cherishing Friendship Instead Of Chasing After Followers For Your Mental Health: .
Mental Health Issues among teens
According to a report published in 2019 by the , 70% of teenagers in the US identified anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. It's evident that understanding and managing stress is an essential skill for adolescents in today's world.
Cause of mental health issues among teens
Attention Span
Why is Attention Span Affecting Mental Health?
One of the primary mental health issues arising from digital technology use is a reduced attention span. A 2015 study from Microsoft Canada suggested that the average human attention span has shrunk to eight seconds, largely due to the effects of an increasingly digitalized lifestyle.
Reduced attention spans can have significant effects on teen mental health. It can lead to poor academic performance, increased anxiety, and decreased self-esteem.
A 2017 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found a direct correlation between attention span and school performance among adolescents, indicating that a shorter attention span can lead to lower grades and increased stress.
How to Improve attention span
Improving attention span requires conscious effort and practice. Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help teens train their minds to focus better. A 2019 study in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that mindfulness programs could significantly improve attention spans in adolescents.
Limiting use of Tiktok Reels and SnapChat is another effective strategy. Encourage teens to take regular breaks during periods of prolonged Social media use, instead it is better to call with friends.
Call with friends on weCall
Social media anxiety
Social media has become an integral part of many teens' lives, serving as a platform for self-expression and social interaction. However, it can also lead to anxiety. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, 38% of teens feel overwhelmed by the number of notifications they receive on their devices.
FOMO because of social media
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another aspect of social media anxiety. Teens may feel anxious if they're not continually checking their social media feeds for updates. A 2016 study published in Computers in Human Behavior linked high levels of FOMO with lower life satisfaction and mood levels among adolescents.
How to manage social media anxiety
To manage social media anxiety, it's crucial to encourage a balanced approach to social media use. Establishing specific times for social media use and ensuring time away from screens can help manage this anxiety. It's also essential to foster open conversations about the realities of social media, emphasizing that what's portrayed online isn't always an accurate representation of reality.
Comparison
Comparison is a natural human tendency that can be amplified by digital technology. Seeing peers post about their achievements, relationships, or lifestyles on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among teens. A 2018 study in the Journal of Adolescence found that frequent use of social media increased feelings of negative body image among young women.
Instagram Comparison
Instagram, with its focus on curated, visually appealing content, can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and comparison in teens. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found a correlation between Instagram use and depressive symptoms, with comparison identified as the mediator of this relationship.
TikTok Comparison
TikTok's short-form video content, often featuring users showing off talents, looks, or lifestyles, can also lead to comparisons. A 2020 study in the journal Child Development found that frequent TikTok use could increase social comparison and contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among teenagers.
BeReal Comparison
BeReal, a newer social media platform, initially intended users to share unfiltered, real-life moments at random times, but not random time anymore.
While it aims to counter the curated reality of other platforms, it can also lead to comparison, as users may still feel pressure to appear a certain way, even in their 'real' moments.
How to improve mental health for teens
1. Healthy Lifestyle
Encourage a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, these factors are associated with better mental health outcomes in teens.
2. Cherish friendship
Cherishing friendships and cultivating strong, positive social connections play a crucial role in improving mental health among teens.
Use weCall app to Cherish Friendship
weCall is all about keeping you and your squad connected, no matter where you're at in the world, without having to deal with any of the bad vibes that seem to be everywhere online these days.
Video Call with front and back camera
You can hang out with your bestie by showing the font and back camera simultaneously.
So weCall is like FaceTime meets BeReal.
Friendships can contribute to a sense of self-worth and confidence. Having friends who appreciate and respect you can boost self-esteem, which is closely tied to mental health.
3. Open Communication
Encourage open and non-judgmental conversations about feelings and experiences. This can help teens feel understood and supported, and more comfortable seeking help when they need it.
4. Social Connections
Foster healthy social relationships. Friendships and positive social interactions can provide emotional support and help buffer against stress.
Meet, video call through weCall, chat etc instead of wasting your time on social media.
And if your friendship gets stronger, you feel more confident, that leads to improve self-esteem.
To keep mental health better
It's crucial to remember that it's okay to ask for help. Whether it's from parents, teachers, counselors, or mental health professionals, seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of strength and self-care. Through combined efforts at home, school, and society at large, we can ensure that our teens have the tools and resources they need to manage stress effectively and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.