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It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

People warned me how high school was the worst. I felt optimistic towards my

adolescence years and thought of it as a way to reinvent myself. I didn’t account for the high

stake testing, lack of sleep I would lose, insecurities, and my social life deteriorating. Oh did I

forget not to mention the never ending pressure.This is how most teens felt during their

experience. Our once freshman optimistic phase quickly turned into our isolated fears. I had

never struggled with my confidence until my freshman year. I became aware of my physical

appearance. I questioned how people perceived me and tried to fix into the beauty standards. My

own thoughts about myself took control of my life. From thoughts to actions, I neglected

everyday habits. I did not properly nurture my body. I began to choose clothes that hide my

insecurities. I felt ashamed whenever I would tell people to love themself when I couldn’t do the

same. I limited myself to opportunities due to my lack of confidence. It was affecting my

relationships with my family and close friends. I could not articulate that I was struggling with

my mental health. I became tired of ignoring something that continued to affect my everyday

life.

When I was able to fully embrace this reality, I recognized I needed to ask for help. I

chose to no longer victimize myself and instead took the time to understand my feelings. I

wanted to find out why I was not satisfied with myself. With the support of my family and

friends, I was able to find coping mechanisms to build self-confidence and truly worked on

loving my body the correct way. I incorporated daily affirmations, working out, finding a

skincare routine, mediating, and spending quality time with friends.

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Mental Health is a scientific study of the mind and behavior. It’s a person’s condition

with regards to their physiological and emotional well being. The three components of mental

health: emotional, physiological, and social. Our mental health affects the way we think, feel,

and our behaviors. It plays a huge role in our ability to handle life, interact with others, and our

decision making. Our mental health is important at every course of our lives which include

childhood, adolescence, and through adulthood. When you experience mental health issues your

moods, thinking, and behaviors can be affected. Although we don't know the exact cause of

mental health disorders, research suggests that a combination of factors can contribute to your

mental health which can include biological factors such as genetics and brain chemistry,

physiological life experiences such as behaviors and moods , and environmental conditions such

as home life and neighborhood.

There are many stigmas surrounding mental health that create challenges for people.

People that suffer from mental illness experience discrimnation, prejudice, and self stigma. For

example, people battling mental illnesses can face huge challenges in obtaining employment,

finding housing, and being accepted in today's society. According to The Journal and

Counseling of Development, "People suffering from mental illness and other mental health

problems are among the most stigmatized, discriminated against, marginalized, disadvantaged

and vulnerable members of our society" (Johnstone, 2001, p. 201). Negative connotations and

false assumptions connected with mental illness may be as harmful as the disease itself”

(Overton, Medina). In order to stop the stigma it is important to spread awareness and identify

your own mental health. This is why I hope to understand how teens' daily lives are affected by

their mental health? Mental Health amongst teens is a growing concern in today's world.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five American adults is
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affected by a mental disorder each year. Mental disorders affect people of all ages, races, and

income levels. Those suffering from a mental illness are not the only ones affected by the

disorder because mental illnesses also affect families, friends, caregivers, and communities.

About 5 million children in the U.S battled some sort of serious mental health issue. At

least one that significantly impacts teens daily life. According to PH.D Lipson, Lattie, and

Eisenberg, “Increased Rates of Mental Health Service Utilization by U.S College Students,”

states that An estimated one in three students meets criteria for a clinically significant mental

health problem (1). Although there's been limited data showing a correlation over time research

suggests that there have been large increases in psychopathology among college students in

recent decades (Lipson,Lattie,Eisenberg,1). There is also evidence to suggest a rise in the number

of students enrolling in college with pre existing mental health conditions(

Lipson,Lattie,Eisenberg1). As a result, In response to the increasing severity and complexity of

mental health problems, more than 95% of counseling center directors report that meeting the

needs of students with significant psychological problems is a growing concern on their campus

(Lipson,Lattie,Eisenberg, 1) Furthermore we can see a huge increase and need for mental health

resources for young adults.

Biological factors can be linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cells and pathways that

connect to brain regions. Our brain communicates through neurotransmitters. Defects in the

brain or injury can cause areas of the brain to be linked to mental illness that can impact our

overall well being. Research has indicated, “that drug-dependent individuals and people with

depression exhibit similar alterations in brain activity. For example, drug withdrawal symptoms

such as irritability, dysphoric mood, and an inability to experience pleasure are associated with

changes in neurotransmission regulated by the chemical messengers dopamine and serotonin and
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the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor. Research has documented similar

changes in the activity of these neurotransmitters in depression” (Volkow). As a result the

National Institute On Drug Abuse and The National Institute of Mental Health are supporting

clinical studies of neurochemical receptors and brain regions linked to substance abuse and

mental disorders for further understanding. Furthermore, neuroscience research and clinical

investigations of mental illness will enhance the development of treatment.

Other biological factors that may cause mental illness can sometimes be connected to

genetics. Mental illness can run in families and can be passed on in family genes. Research

suggests that mental illnesses are linked to the abnormalities in genes rather than just one.

Furthermore, “Research suggests that some people's genetic makeup may put them at higher risk

for psychiatric and substance use disorders. In some instances, individuals with mental illness

may begin to abuse drugs in attempts to alleviate distressing symptoms of the disease, putting

themselves at risk for addiction” (Volkow). This illustrates some people inherit the susceptibility

which puts them at higher risk of developing a mental illness and addiction.

Social media plays a big role in a teen’s daily life. Online communication is currently

being used more amongst youth. Technology affects adolescents' psychological development.

Many teens experience cyberbullying which has become a mental health concern. According to

Child and Adolescent Disorders, “ Longitudinal data from the Youth Internet Safely Study

suggests that 5% of youth experience repeated or distressing online harassment, though few

targeted youth report cyberbullying, perhaps partly because the same adolescents commonly are

both perpetrators and victims.(Rafla,Carson,Delong 5). As a result teens experience emotional

distress from cyberbullying which impacts their overall well being. Consequently, cyberbullying

and sexting can have devastating results leading youth to take their own lives. For example, “
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cyberbullying victim Hope Witsell, commmited suicide in 2010 at age 13 after a topless photo

sent to a boy was forwared throughout the school system (Rafla,Carson,Delong). As explained,

perpetrators impact their victims mental health resulting in negative behavior or low self esteem.

The impacts of social media include mood and users self image. Sources such as Contemporary

Mobile Technology and Child and Adolescent Development imply, “ A recent 14-day dairy

study of 82 young college students found that daily Facebook use was associated with more

negative daily mood and that greater average weekly usage predicted increased depressive

symptoms and lower life satisfaction at the end of the week” (George, Russell 79). Adolescents

are emotionally impacted by social media which demonstrates that the reach of applications go

beyond mobile devices and desktop computers. Dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms are

shown in youth using media apps. Youth over engaging in technology increase their vulnerability

to such impacts.

In an interview with Mary Tubois, a MDUSD psychologist at Northgate High School, she

explained that, “ I was one of six kids, my parents got divorced around the age I was thirteen, I

remember my parents fighting a lot and me being the peacemaker weather I knew it or not, I

need to be there for my siblings, lunch, dinner was made, I did a lot of mothering, I then realized

how mental health had to do a lot with how we were as a family”. Research has indicated that

environmental factors contribute to a child's mental health. According to American Academy of

Pediatrics, “Adolescents may feel decreased self-esteem and may develop premature emotional

autonomy to deal with negative feelings about the divorce and their deidealization of each

parent. Their anger and confusion often lead to relationship problems, substance abuse,

decreased school performance, inappropriate sexual behavior, depression, and aggressive and
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delinquent behavior”(Cohen 2). This illustrates that a child's mental health is solely impacted by

its environmental surroundings and can harmfully affect one's adolescent years.

Teenagers that grow up in low socioeconomic areas are exposed to higher risk of

substance abuse, crime, and violence. Consequently, your environment has an underlying impact

on developing mental health symptoms. As explained, “studies by Leventhal and BrooksGunn

(2000) found that neighborhood disadvantage was associated with greater conduct problems in

childhood and adolescence” (Aneshensel, Sucoff 303). Additionally according to the Journal of

Health and Social Behavior, “The more threatening the neighborhood, the more common the

symptoms of depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder”

(Aneshensel, Sucoff 303). Environmental stress can trigger a person's vulnerability to a mental

disorder. As explained, unsafe environments have a negative outcome on adolescents' mental

health.

Battling with mental health issues has made this an important topic and I’ve made it a

priority to spread awareness about it. Without acknowledging the impacts of mental health I

would have struggled to thrive in a world that places external well being ahead of internal. My

hopes are to highlight the significance of mental health so that others can find the necessary

resources and support systems as I did. Mental health at the biological level is difficult to

understand without the assistance of medical professionals. I encourage youth who suspect that

they may be battling with mental health seek professional guidance in order to begin their

journey to overcome it.. In an interview with Shannon Brueckner, therapist and support

counselor at Northgate High School, she explained that, “If people are struggling with their

mental health I would certainly recommend seeing a therapist and building on their strengths to

what makes them happy”. Psychologically, youth are more at risk to mental health issues due to
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cyberbullying and impacts of social media. Moderation of social media can help reduce the

exposure to cyberbullying as well as the mood and behavioral impacts it can have. Youth’s

environment also plays an important role in their mental health. Family structure and

neighborhoods play a big role in how a youth develops mentally. Depending on these dynamics,

youth can thrive or face challenges that impact their adulthood. I genuinely believe in being

aware of one’s self and understanding what is in our control and what isn’t. Youth experiencing

toxic family life and struggling socioeconomic neighborhoods may be able to find support

systems outside of these locations. Oftentimes in teachers, coaches, extended family, and good

friends. I hope that mental health becomes a topic more commonly addressed and normalized so

that resources can rise from greater understanding. If we can support more youth dealing with

mental health issues I believe we can help them overcome the challenges associated with it.
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Works Cited

Afifi, M. “Gender differences in mental health.” Singapore medical journal vol. 48,5

(2007): 385-91.

Aneshensel, Carol S., and Clea A. Sucoff. “The Neighborhood Context of Adolescent

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Brueckner, Shannon. Personal interview. 26 April 2021.

Byck, Gayle R, et al. “Effect of Housing Relocation and Neighborhood Environment on

Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health.” Journal of Child Psychology and

Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2015,

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4771183/.

Cohen, George. "Helping children and families deal with divorce and separation.

(Clinical report: guidance for the clinician in rendering pediatric care)."

Pediatrics, vol. 110, no. 5, 2002, p. 1019+. Gale In Context: High School,

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Rafla, M., Carson, N.J. & DeJong, S.M. Adolescents and the Internet: What Mental

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