Hello readers, I am an adolescent too, and while writing this, I came across a lot of information and had a nostalgia of things that I lived and learned till now.

Adolescence is a time for exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery. It is the beginning of the journey to find oneself.

Image Credits: Menstrupedia

What makes it so unique is that it is a time when we start to develop our identities, explore our interests, and form the foundation for our future lives. It is when we start asking the big questions about who we are, what we believe in, and what we want from our lives. It is a journey filled with highs and lows, and it is a time when young individuals learn to navigate the world from a broader perspective.

In this blog, there’s a peek into the life of an adolescent, be it emotional, psychological or social.

We all know about the physical changes¹, the hormonal development and the change in our appearances, but with that the cognitive abilities to question, reason, and understand also develop. You may tend to develop likes and dislikes, a core set of values, beliefs, norms, and a sense of identity². Improvements in abstract thinking, rational reasoning, and understanding the world through a social perspective, including friends and peers, also occur.

Through my journey of adolescence, I used to feel emotional imbalances, and an on-and-off with people around me. But now all that makes sense; it was the game of hormones and the evolving state of my physical self.

I eventually heard that I am big enough to understand some things but young for others.

“अभी तुम छोटे हो!”
“बड़े हो गए, इतना भी समझ नहीं आया?”

It may be difficult to cope, and it is definitely okay to ask for help from people elder than you whom you are comfortable with. This can help you channelize your emotions well and understand why you are feeling a particular emotion.

This period includes trials and errors towards career, relationships, likes and dislikes, making it a crucial period to enjoy life.
Ultimately, adolescence is an exciting and complex chapter in the book of life, a period where the potential for growth and self-discovery is limitless.

Its limitless nature makes it a crucial period for developing social and emotional habits important for overall well-being. These include adopting healthy sleep patterns, exercising regularly, developing coping, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, and learning to manage emotions.³ Protective and supportive environments in the family, at school, and in the wider community are important.

As the author of this blog, I believe it is essential to take pride in and appreciate ourselves just as we are. Perfection is an unrealistic standard to lead your life. We are inherently beautiful and worthy of love, embracing our unique qualities, body structures, choices, and communication styles.

Living life to the fullest means enjoying what we do and maintaining the authenticity to our self.

On a concluding note, promoting positive mental health in adolescents involves a holistic approach that addresses biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Supportive relationships, open communication, and access to mental health resources are essential components to foster mental well-being in adolescents. Early intervention and education about mental health can also contribute to positive outcomes.

For the adolescents reading this, please note that making small efforts to understand ourselves creates huge impacts. A little ease in your mind and a little strictness on our right and wrong can save us from adverse conditions. Give yourself an extra treat when you achieve a goal or a mission to make yourself feel happy and worthy, and then get started on the next mission.

It is for sure a scary roller-coaster ride, but do not worry—you will fly with wings when it ends.

Ending this with a small rhyme:

In the realm of youth, where shadows blend,
Adolescence stirs, a journey to transcend.
A fleeting chapter, both wild and bright,
A dance of sunsets and the gentle night.

This section is specially curated for the readers who wish to know more information.

¹https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
²https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/adolescence
³https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

For Indian Data and research:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health

For Mental Health
https://www.mindmattersblog.org/articles/teens-today-are-in-a-crisis-heres-how-you-can-help-z6cmw