Adolescence can be a difficult time for many people. This is the time in life when we are struggling to figure out who we are and where we fit into the world. Along with this comes the roller coaster of hormones, which can make us feel happy one minute and angry or sad the next. It's no wonder that so many teenagers feel like they are at their wits' end! In this blog post, we will explore some of the psychological aspects of adolescence that can make it such a challenging time. We will also offer some tips on how to deal with these challenges in a healthy way.

Adolescence is a time of great change, both physically and emotionally. It's normal to feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster during this time. Hormones play a big role in this, as they can cause sudden mood swings. Adolescence is also a time when we are trying to figure out who we are and where we fit into the world. This can be a scary process, but it's an important one. There are a few things you can do to help make this transition easier:

-Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. This could be a parent, friend, teacher, or counselor.

-Get involved in activities that make you feel good about yourself. This could be a sport, hobby, or club.

-Find healthy ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or journaling.

Defining one's identity is something very significant that usually begins around this time period in one's life. It can be a confusing and difficult task to try to accomplish, but it is so important. Adolescents often feel like they are under a lot of pressure to conform to society's expectations. However, it's essential to stay true to yourself and not let anyone else control your life. You are the only one who knows what makes you happy, so don't be afraid to pursue your dreams and goals. live your life in a way that makes you happy and fulfilled, not in a way that someone else wants you to.

The open-endedness of life offers many unknowns that can be terrifying for an individual in adolescence. It is reassuring to remember that everyone goes through this phase and many people have made it to the other side successfully. Adolescence can be a time of great growth and discovery, so try to embrace it and enjoy the ride!

Parents would also do well to be aware of much of this information. Adolescents rebel in part due to feeling misunderstood. When parents take the time to listen and understand what their children are dealing with, they are more likely to maintain a good relationship through this difficult period. Adolescence doesn't have to be a time of conflict between parents and children - it can be a time of growth and discovery for both parties.

Adolescence can be a tough time, but it doesn't have to be. By taking care of ourselves and reaching out for help when it's needed, we can get through this time in life feeling healthy and happy. Here are some relevant resources that might help both adolescents and their parents with thriving (rather than just surviving) through this difficult time: Helpful Resources.

- Aaron Schwartz
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern
Feel free to learn more or schedule a session here