Guidance

High school was divided into clicks when I was there. Not a very accepting crowd if you didn’t have your group. Girls were very catty, hanging with the boys was much more preferable. Even though we preach inclusive, there is a lot of divide still going on. You would think we could create an atmosphere that could omit this repeating generational flaw. Sense of belonging is needed to thrive. Even infants that are ignored or neglected can fail to thrive. I have never been uncomfortable being alone or the silence. For some it is like starvation. Teens are often insecure and it creates a world of divide.

The prefrontal cortex is part of the brain that takes you into your twenties before it develops. It is responsible for planning, emotions and impulse. So the teen years are plagued with bad decisions and emotional roller coasters. Leaving them to get to bed, do homework, and eat are still executive functions that need guidance. You still need to hold the goal post and really look out for their mental health, probably more than ever. Even the ones that have amazing grades and perfect behaviour, need check ins. Kids that are good could still be pulling out their hair trying to maintain or even excel. Failing in their own mindset could be causing a world of stress that is unhealthy. We need to help them achieve balance in all things.

The stigma that still exists in reaching out for mental health help needs to be removed. Mental health needs to be a priority and as common as going to get a bandaid in elementary school. There is no normal besides the one set in everyone’s mind. Health class should be curriculum and mental health a solid topic in the class. Kids feel alone and often have no clue that what they are going through is natural. My generation, parents kicked their kids out all the time or threatened with reform school. I had at least half a dozen friends that ran away or were living on their own at sixteen. You have no idea what people are living with, be the harbour, the nest. Not the judge or the jury. Help them navigate, help them fly.