How to Deal with Challenges as a Teen

Growing up isn’t easy, and while teen life can include many exciting new prospects and experiences, it’s also not without its challenges. During these key years of your life, you may be battling more with education, career prospects, friends, lifestyle, and personal problems. 

While it’s all part of being a teen and learning more about yourself, it also doesn’t mean that you have to face challenges alone, or that they shouldn’t be overcome. 

Here is a guide on how to deal with challenges as a teen, and the most common issues you may face. 

Know What You Value

This can apply to anything in life, but the sooner you learn about your own values, the better. This could be choosing the right friendships, realizing what’s most important to you, and what you value in terms of hobbies or how you like to spend your time. 

The more honest you are about your own wants, needs and values, the better the path you create for yourself will be. 

Mental Health Struggles

Mental health problems aren’t exclusive to teenagers, but it can be more likely that you may face deeper mental stress during teen years. Problems with anxiety, addiction, and depression can be rife among many teens, and dealing with this sort of problem isn’t easy. 

Mental health struggles can occur at any time, for any reason — or perhaps for no reason at all. What’s important to remember when dealing with any problems is: 

• You’re not at fault. Don’t blame yourself for any mental health problems you may be having, and don’t judge yourself harshly if you’re struggling to overcome them. Mental health challenges aren’t easy.
• You’re not alone. It may feel like you are, especially if you don’t know anybody else going through the same struggles. However, around 1 in 25 Americans are struggling with mental health problems, and you’re certainly not alone.
• Help is available. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to struggle in silence, and that mental health challenges can be overcome. In reaching out, you may want to speak to loved ones, your doctor or seek alternative help and support from treatment center teams like Ignite Teen Treatment. 

Education and Career

Teen years are fundamental in terms of your professional pathway and the life you’re trying to create. The biggest challenge a teen may face is not knowing what they want to do, or perhaps feeling at odds with an educational environment. 

In facing these challenges, it’s important to consider all your options. Speak to friends, parents, teachers or even career counsellors to get on track. Think about the subjects which interest you and remember that you don’t have to have your whole career planned out at such a young age. It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do with your life just yet. 

Furthermore, education and learning aren’t for everyone. Some people learn better by doing or would rather go into work instead of further education. There are alternative options, like apprenticeships and placements, or jobs that don’t require further education. 

What’s important in dealing with teen challenges is being open and honest — both with others when you need support, and with yourself.