ANXIOUS TEENAGERS (A LIVING DILEMMA OF PAKISTAN’S TEENAGERS)

 

In the simplest way, we can define Anxiety as a normal feeling towards a stressful or dangerous situation.  It occurs by adrenalin being quickly pumped around our body to enable us to cope with the difficult situation.  However, anxiety becomes a problem when our body’s response to feeling anxiety is out of proportion compared to the situation.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety Are a racing heartbeat – rising blood pressure, Shortness of breath, Butterflies in the stomach, Muscle tension, and Headaches. Nausea, Tremors, Sweating, Pins and needles, Agitation, Fear of losing control, Irritability, Lack of sleep, feeling of depression, and Unable to relax or concentrate.

In most circumstances, Anxiety can be triggered by a range of factors including Stress, Physical factors, Childhood environment, Genetics, Chemical imbalances in the brain, Management of Anxiety

After having a general idea about anxiety, we now move to our basic topic i.e., Teenager anxiety, in a country like Pakistan, it refers to the emotional and psychological stress or worry experienced by adolescents. While it shares similarities with anxiety in teenagers in other parts of the world, it can also be influenced by specific cultural, societal, and environmental factors.

Teenager anxiety in Pakistan encompasses the following elements:

·         Academic Pressure.                                         

·         Career Expectations

·         Peer Pressure

·         Cultural and Religious Factors

·         Economic Challenges

·         Security Concerns

·         Social Media and Technology

It is a complex issue influenced by a variety of factors. Addressing it involves a combination of supportive family environments, mental health awareness, and access to appropriate resources and professionals to help teenagers manage their anxiety effectively.

Solutions to address anxiety among teenagers in Pakistan include:

·         Education: Raising awareness about mental health and providing school resources can help.

·          Counseling: Access to counseling services can assist teenagers in managing their anxiety.

·         Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive family environment where open communication is encouraged can be beneficial.

·         Stress Management: Teaching stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and time management can help.

·         Social Media Literacy: Educating teenagers about responsible social media use and its impact on mental health is essential.

One of the biggest reasons for anxiety among Pakistani Teenagers is the excessive usage of mobile phones. Besides that, social media can contribute to anxiety among teenagers in Pakistan, as both will result in:

·         Social Comparison: Teens often compare themselves to their peers on social media, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if they perceive others as having a better life.

·         Cyberbullying: Online harassment or cyberbullying can cause significant emotional distress and anxiety among teenagers.

·         Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constant exposure to exciting or idealized content on social media can create a fear of missing out on experiences, which can be anxiety-inducing.

·         Sleep Disturbance: Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to tiredness and increased stress.

·         Online Pressure: The pressure to maintain a curated online persona and the fear of negative feedback can be overwhelming for some teenagers.

To mitigate the impact caused by these factors, it's crucial for parents, schools, and teenagers themselves to promote responsible and balanced mobile and social media usage. Encouraging breaks from screens, open communication, and educating teens about the potential negative effects of excessive use can help mitigate anxiety related to technology and social media.

Some of the easiest ways to which can help teenagers to overcome anxiety and social media addiction involve a combination of strategies and support from parents, educators, and mental health professionals, which includes:

·         Open Communication: Encourage open and non-judgmental communication with teenagers. Let them know it's okay to talk about their feelings and concerns.

·         Educate About Mental Health: Raise awareness about anxiety and its symptoms. Ensure that teenagers understand that anxiety is a common issue and not something to be ashamed of.

·         Set a Good Example: Parents and adults should model healthy technology use and prioritize face-to-face interactions. This sets a positive example for teenagers.

·         Limit Screen Time: Establish reasonable limits on screen time, including social media use. Encourage tech-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime.

·         Teach Digital Literacy: Help teenagers develop critical thinking skills to evaluate online content and recognize misinformation. Teach them about the impact of online personas and image filters.

·         Encourage Offline Activities: Encourage teens to engage in offline activities they enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.

·         Seek Professional Help: If anxiety or social media addiction becomes severe, consider consulting a mental health professional who specializes in adolescent issues. Therapy and counseling can be highly effective.

·         Supportive Environment: Foster a supportive and understanding family environment where teenagers feel safe discussing their challenges and seeking help when needed.

·         Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing to help teenagers manage anxiety.

·         Community and School Involvement: Encourage teenagers to participate in community or school activities to build a sense of belonging and reduce social isolation.

Besides above mentioned measures some other anxiety-relieving tips are:  

·         Start the day with a Positive Affirmation

·         Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your teenager feels comfortable discussing their feelings and anxiety-related experiences.

·         Healthy Lifestyle: Promote regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep.

·         Limit Screen Time: Set reasonable limits on mobile and social media use.

·         Stress Management: Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness.

·         Peer Support: Encourage positive peer relationships and friendships.

·         Hobbies and Interests: Help teens find and pursue activities they are passionate about.

·         Time Management: Teach time management skills to reduce academic pressure.

·         Set Realistic Goals: Help teens set achievable goals and manage expectations.

·         Mediation: In severe cases, consider medication prescribed by a mental health professional.

However, it is important to mention here that all these strategies should be tailored to the individual needs of the teenager and should ideally be implemented in conjunction with professional guidance when necessary, meaning that these strategies may vary from case to case and all in totality should not be applied on every teenager. Last but not least Parents and siblings love time and devotion that can do wonders in overcoming the anxiety of any teenager in the family.

“IF YOU LOVE YOUR KIDS THEN DON’T LEAVE THEM ALONE, BE WITH THEM AS FRIENDS”.

BY: OVAIS ASAD KHAN