No matter who you are, you’re going to encounter challenges and tragedies in life. Full-grown, functioning adults are not exempt from that. However, there are certain issues that are best to take care of as soon as possible – most often, when you’re a teenager.
Academic Issues
Being a teenager means grappling with real personal responsibility for probably the first time. One of the first examples of that is academic responsibility – which is also one of the initial ways that you can make your future more difficult if you’re not careful. Once you’re out of high school, the grades and scores that you got are set in stone. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a successful life with bad grades, but it does mean that further academic pursuits can be difficult. Focusing on your academics as a teen will open up pathways for your future that otherwise would not be there.
Depression
Mental health is arguably one of the greatest modern challenges facing teens today. There appears to be an epidemic of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and other problems that a huge percentage of teens struggle with. Not dealing with your traumas in your teen years will lead to more problems that will continually and constantly affect you as an adult. The sooner you work through them and stabilize your mental health, the better. Talking to a professional therapist is the first step. Socializing more and opening up to others can help you deal with depression. Medication might be an option you’ll want to consider. Talk to trusted friends, teachers, or counselors about finding the help you need.
Physical Health
Many habits and patterns that you develop as a teen and young adult can affect you for the rest of your life. In the modern world, it is all too easy to consume an inordinate amount of social media, video games, junk food, and screen time – resulting in obesity rates and health problems that far outweigh the national average. The best time to start building a tolerance for exercise is now, as a teenager. It’s never too late to start, but it’s also never too early. You may regret it later if you slack off now.
Being a teenager is rough. Children and adults often feel stable – but teens often feel confused, anxious, or lost as they transition into adulthood. That’s all the more reason to take care of yourself. Focus on what is important now, and the adult version of yourself will be very happy that you did.
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