2025-04-29T00:53:58Z

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Source: CC Annushka Ahuja / Pexels

Terms like disengaged, unmotivated, fragile, and behind are frequently used to describe todays young generation, but are these labels fair or constructive? Increasingly, reports highlight the significant learning losses attributed to the pandemic and the ongoing mental health crisis affecting adolescents. Complaints often surface about their dependency on smartphones, leading to the overarching label of the anxious generation.

While some advocates argue that using these labels can assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing issues and providing appropriate interventions, the reality is that most individuals utilize these terms to criticize rather than to understand or find solutions. This pattern of diagnosis quickly shifts towards blame, particularly evident since the onset of the pandemic. Its crucial, now more than ever, to shift the narrative and focus on the strengths and potential of our youth.

Stress, Injury, and the Real Work of Healing

As a psychiatrist, Ive seen the damaging effects of labeling on patients. If I constantly reminded them of their struggles or the bleak future they might face, they wouldnt return for treatment. Many of these young individuals have experienced significant trauma, and it's only natural to wonder who would want to be defined solely by their worst moments.

Imagine if your child suffered a bike accident, resulting in a concussion and broken bones. You would take them to a trauma doctor, who would provide a prognosis and outline a recovery plan. As a parent, your focus would be on collaborating with the medical team to facilitate your childs return to health, enabling them to ride bikes and engage in life again.

Recovery from such injuries is far from easy. It requires balancing rest with strengthening exercises, including focusing on the uninjured body parts so that the injured ones can heal properly. After a major injury, a doctor would likely advise your child against attending school, especially in cases of concussions, where screen time must be avoided for weeks or even months. This may be challenging, but healing will happen over time.

However, healing becomes even more complex under duress. Not all stress is detrimental; in moderation, it can prepare individuals for challenges such as tests or athletic competitions. When properly managed, stress can lead to personal growth. Yet, prolonged exposure to stress without any form of reliefbe it rest, meditation, proper nutrition, or engaging in joyful activitiescan significantly hinder recovery.

When the brain encounters sustained stress, it teeters on the edge of illness. Signs of this decline include decreased focus, irritability, forgetfulness, and reduced productivity. The stress hormone cortisol floods the body, weakening the immune system and potentially leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. This manifests through mood swings, loss of appetite, and dwindling motivation.

Healing Requires Strengths, Partners, and Purpose

However, this is not the conclusion of the narrative. Humans are inherently equipped for healing, growth, and recovery. This dynamic process often necessitates the guidance and support of a coach, doctor, physical therapist, or educator. Partnering with others is essential for healing.

Personally, I was fortunate to have a doctor who served as that supportive partner for me, and I strive to be that kind of ally for my patients. When my patients express their struggles with mental health issues, academic pressures, or familial relationships, I resist the urge to catastrophize their experiences, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness.

Instead, I focus on identifying their strengths, even amid challenges and setbacks. This task is often simpler than one might think. Frequently, our failures can reveal the seeds of our strengths and aspirations. As someone who has worked closely with children, its clear that their disappointments can serve as vital opportunities to foster teamwork.

I often ask my patients, What do you envision for your lifenot what your parents want, but your own aspirations? I patiently wait for their response, sometimes for an extended period. When they finally articulate their desires, it becomes clear that they are ready to embark on a collaborative journey towards their goals.

They seek more than just alleviation from symptoms of mental illness; they yearn for a fulfilling life. They crave purpose, love, friendships, and success in areas they are passionate about. Once they recognize that healing is attainable, they pursue their dreams vigorously, developing new resilience forged from overcoming obstacles.

Change the Narrative, Change the Outcome

The pandemic has undeniably triggered significant academic and emotional setbacks for numerous children. Although we understand the necessary steps to tackle formidable challenges, including injuries and failures, we still fall short in our efforts to support struggling youth. The alarming decline in reading and math scores post-pandemic illustrates that achievement levels have continued to plummet.

It is imperative to reshape the current narrative surrounding young individualsone that acknowledges the profound setbacks caused by the pandemic while steering clear of damaging labels and blame. While encouraging children to put down their phones may have its benefits, the true victory lies in providing them with opportunities to uncover their strengths, nurture their relationships, enhance their academic and social skills, and channel their energy into solving meaningful problems.

Healing is not a solitary endeavor; it requires relationships, hope, and time, not labels. Together with our youth, we can devise a comprehensive plan that breaks down their goals into manageable tasks, allowing us to celebrate their achievements along the way. It is essential to remember that embarking on this journey should never be a solitary struggle.