Teen Fear Unmasked

Source :
http://nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/20091112102624/Article/index_html

Norshazzwin Shamsuz Zaman,
WE asked psychologist Datuk Dr Mat Saad Baki from Pantai Medical Centre what teen angst really meant.

“The word angst means a feeling of fear and anxiety,” he said. “It happens at any age and is usually related to life’s tasks, i.e. that of teenagers’ such as school, friendship, family, and love.”

Teen angst, according to him, can come from any where.

“School-related teen angst include getting bad results, being bullied, or having too much homework.

“If it is friendship, it could be related to group or individual friendships.

“Group friendship includes things like dating. It depends on your appearance, whether you are attractive enough for the boys or if girls are attracted to you.

“Or maybe you and your girlfriend or boyfriend have problems, and this might cause you distress.

“Also, say, if you have a good friend with whom you text a lot. Texting then becomes an addiction and this can also be a problem.

“In family relationships, angst comes from being away from your family, ie: staying at boarding schools and hostels.

“You then become closer to your friends than with your family. Sibling rivalry can also trigger angst.”

Love relationships are also another cause, says Dr Mat Saad.

“Many teenagers are also addicted to the internet, texting, and eating.

“They are also fearful of not being accepted, of being a nerd, or being unpopular. The list goes on.”

Although diseases do not usually result in angst, says Dr Mat Saad, teens do experience a lot of emotional pain such as depression, especially the girls.”

“A girl may get so depressed that she ends up hurting herself physically.

“Health problems like asthma also cause emotional pain and it can be triggered by rejection, unrequited love, or family problems.”

Dr Mat Saad: Talking to friends, a school counselor, an adult mentor, or parent can help alleviate fears.

How does one cope?

A lot of teenagers think they can solve their problems by eating, which is wrong.

According to Dr Mat Saad, teens can cultivate hobbies such as reading books or taking part in activities that provide an outlet for expression.

But be careful of surfing the internet, he adds, saying that there are a lot of “predators” waiting to prey on us teens.

I asked Dr Mat Saad how fear and anxiety affect a teenager’s emotions and feelings.

“Firstly, fear affects emotion and behaviour.

“The first type would fall into the yes-fear-no-emotional-problem category. The person is usually matured and can manage him/herself emotionally.

“Next would be the no-fear-no-emotional-problem type. This is okay, but it can lead to something else. For instance, if they don’t feel fear, they won’t feel guilty, and they can rob a bank without thinking it is wrong.

“The no-fear-yes-emotional-problem is what people call neurosis. There’s nothing to be feared but the teen is still afraid.

“Lastly, the yes-fear-yes-emotional-problem. It means the teen hasn’t managed it and needs to find a solution.”

What I learnt from my talk with Dr Mat Saad was that if you are experiencing some form of angst, find out the cause and look for the solution, and then work at it.

Find someone who is experienced, whom you trust, and ask for advice.

Don’t use drugs, overeat, or hurt yourself. These NEVER are the right solutions.

If you imagine yourself in love, remember that teenage love doesn’t last.

And if you have nothing to fear, just don’t be afraid! Finally, just calm down and take it easy