By Tara Al-Haddad, Year 11 Journalist Leader

From a teenager who’s writing this article, to a reader of whatever age, I’ve got to tell you that teenagehood is difficult. And yes, we know, you’ve been through it too, but our generations differ by miles, as do our circumstances and our societies. 

This generation hasn’t had the most beneficial upbringing, and this doesn’t refer to bad parenting or a slacking childhood. It means that the society that we have grown up in has been such a demanding one. We are expected to do well in school and at home, have great extracurriculars and have a perfect future planned out. But what is perfect? Overtime, the expectations of ‘perfect’ have changed miraculously. Currently, our definition of the word is staying alive and healthy, both mentally and physically.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the progression of technology and the overuse of social media, teenagers have started to isolate not only in their rooms but in their minds too. These conditions amplify mental chatter which leads to lower productivity, anxiety, stress and even depression. Teenagers are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, when influenced by social media at a premature age. It is especially destructive to the brain when seeing other people living a better version of our lives and as technology evolves, it’s even harder to keep off socials and not see these influencers create a false image of themselves and how life should be lived. 

It is also important to realise that these advertisements of ‘perfect’ body image, family, and life choices are totally fake and just their source of income. However, social media can be advantageous in the way that connecting with friends, or just chatting with other people anonymously, or not, can have a positive impact on your social cognition. 

Talking about your mental situation is ten steps in the right direction. You might feel that others spreading awareness is embarrassing, because it’s a sort of promotion to get you to confide in others, but it’s understandable that that doesn’t convince you. So, this is my one attempt to get you to believe that talking about things really does help. It’s not about opening up completely and telling them absolutely everything; it’s about chatting to someone and giving yourself another chance at everything, because you deserve that. You are worthy of getting another try at life, or whatever it is that’s bothering you.

Even if it feels safer to keep it bottled inside, ask for help, or talk to someone about it – anyone. No matter how big or small you think your issues are, reaching out when you need help is brave. This isn’t the end of the world, you are gonna get through this. 

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 0800 689 5652

Samaritans: Call 116123 

Crisis Helpline: Text SHOUT to 85258