Psychologist and pediatricians believe that increasing dependence on social media by teenagers is leading to increased rates of depression and anxiety, especially for girls, although boys are not immune. What they do now will not determine their entire lives. Teach them they don’t have to be perfect, don’t have to get it right at any age, can always change their minds and their personality when they are older. There is competition, social judgement, pressure from parents and teachers and society. Teens are pressured more than ever to make so many choices, to know exactly who they are, to perform perfectly all the time, to achieve greater and greater. Optimum sleep hours for young people start at 11 pm and end at 8 am according to research. Teens who don’t get enough sleep are 4 times as likely to develop depression as those who are well-rested. Lack of sleep is related to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and decreased academic performance. However, Stress in America Survey found that most teens sleep on average only 7.4 hours. The recommended amount of sleep for teens is 8-10 hours, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2016 recommendations. The best activity is one which involves a social component. Any of these activities are helpful: yoga, hiking, biking, walking, dancing, running, rock climbing, skateboarding. Exercise is one of the most effective stress and anxiety relievers.

One in five teens and young adults report exercising less than once a week or not at all.

Below are some more active ways of coping which parents can easily discuss and teach to their children. Teens rely mainly on taking a nap, listening to music, going online, eating and playing video games to cope with stress and depression. The APA’s survey also indicated that teens are more likely to report using passive rather than active coping strategies, which are not always as helpful. More than 1 in 4 teens and young adults say they do not feel they are doing enough to manage their stress, compared with about 1 in 10 older adults. According to recent American Psychological Association’s Stress in America Survey, our younger generation is increasingly more stressed.

Wrapped in the Stars by Elena Mikalsen