2 What does it mean when a teenager feels alienated?
teejay96 asks: Hi, Shirelle. I feel like my life is taking a spiral turn towards its end. I feel so bitter inside, like I am angry inside. I don’t act as cheerful as I used to. I am more concerned about my looks and what people think of me than what I think of me. Despite my admitting this to my self, it still does not seem to go away. I used to have this self-destructive habit that no one knows about (I’d rather not share, and no it is not smoking – I am only 14). The point is that I know I am in my teenage years but I just want to feel as happy as I was in my childhood years – even if it is not constant, as long as it is there. My parents are not the understanding type, so you are the only one that can help me.
Hi teejay96 –
Wow, what a compliment! I have no doubt that there are many others who could help you through this very tough time, but I am so honored that you think I’m the best one! Thanks!
So, at risk of you losing all respect for me, I’m going to say what’s probably the last thing you expect to hear: Congratulations.
You are in a situation that is officially called Existential Despair, and it usually shows up in people a couple of years older than you. You are doing great, ahead of schedule, and this probably means you’ll be out of this difficult period sooner than some of your friends. So, again, congratulations.
What’s going on is that your brain is developing, and you’re beginning to see the world very differently from the way you did as an innocent Continue reading