All of the people in this world are continuously going through transformation as the days go on. For some it is drastic and quick, while the transformations of others may manifest themselves more subtly. Regardless, most of us can all probably agree that the individual we begin as and the one we end life with, while inexorably tied together are two very different people. A huge amount of growth takes place in between these two points in time, with the majority of it concentrated near a life’s beginning.
Adolescence, or what could be considered the important teenage years are an especially trying time because of their place at the apex of a major transition; one between the two distinct social classifications that our cultures identify as “child” and “adult.” This gray area of overlap between the two may be considered a difficult transition by some. How difficult depends on many factors, and each of ours is different, but as a general rule I think it’s safe to say that the more drastic changes can lead to teenage behavior and thoughts that can be considered “troubled teenagers.” Confusion and serious consideration of life’s challenges are common when confronted with the prospect of one’s life completely changing. While these thoughts might be considered negative, they are by no means uncommon or even unhealthy. A sober evaluation of each of our worlds is necessary from time to time.
What can make the life and times of a teenager perhaps even more troubling is the disparate imbalance between the world that we are raised as a young child to expect and the one we come to understand as we experience our first major independences. Often when a young person is confronted with the occasionally harsh, grim realities of the nature of our society, they become indignant and rebellious. An understandable response, when considered in the right context. One look at the differences between a Disney movie and the nightly newsreel puts things into perspective quite effectively. While most people understand that to a considerable extent, troubling teenage experiences and thoughts are a natural part of growing up; a growing number of parents are being led to believe that something is seriously wrong with their sons and daughters. At the first sign of troubled teenager thoughts, they are manifesting symptoms of a disorder that must be treated with psychotropic drugs. Instead of on quick fixes with “medication,” parents must focus their efforts on clear communication and understanding of their child’s thought process. Concerns addressed with respectful acknowledgement and the aid of an elder’s perspective can turn into determination to make the world better and fix the problems causing concern.
