Blog Series: Happiness, 02

 

Stress and Anxiety in Teenagers and Young Adults

All of us have experienced stress and anxiety in our lives. Post-pandemic mental health issues have become even more problematic, affecting even teenagers and young adults. According to the Anxiety and depression association of America, 3.1% of adults suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, while women are twice as likely to have generalized disorder than men. We do not need statistics to tell us that almost all of us have experienced stress and anxiety at one time or another. “The 2020 Stress in America Report” showed that nearly 1 in 5 adults say their mental health is worse than this time last year (2019). Research indicates a rise in mental health issues among teenagers and Generation Z. According to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, rates of major depressive episodes among adolescents and young adults have increased significantly over the past decade. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 31.9% of adolescents aged 13–18 experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

The widespread use of social media among teenagers and Generation Z has been linked to mental health problems. Studies have found associations between heavy social media use and increased feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Academic pressure, family issues, peer relationships, and concerns about the future contribute to stress among teenagers and Generation Z. The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America survey found that teenagers report higher stress levels than adults, with school being a significant source of stress.

 

Understanding Stress, Anxiety, and Anxiety Disorder

It is essential to understand the differences among stress, anxiety, and anxiety disorder, which are often used interchangeably. Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat, challenge, or demand. It’s a temporary tension that arises from external pressures, such as work deadlines, financial problems, or relationship issues. Stress can be positive and negative, typically subsiding once the stressor is removed or managed effectively. Example: A student feels stressed about preparing for final exams, or an employee loses his job unexpectedly.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Unlike stress, anxiety often arises from internal sources and can persist even when there’s no immediate threat present. It’s a more generalized apprehension about the future or potential dangers. For example, a person feels anxious before giving a public presentation or sees the layoff in his company and is worried about losing a job, even though there are no indications that his job is in jeopardy. In contrast, anxiety disorders are mental health conditions characterized by excessive, persistent, and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety or fear that interfere with daily life. These disorders often involve exaggerated panic attacks or irrational fears and may require professional treatment.

Once you know the distinction among these three, you can better understand the reasoning behind our stress, anxiety, and fear. You would be more rational in addressing the issue rather than remaining in the loop of ruminating and brooding where you cannot come out of your worrisome loop — one thought leads to another, and they keep your mind occupied in worry and fear. The more you think about these thoughts, the more you engage with them, and the stronger they become and do not pass or leave you. These emotional responses or mental conditions undermine our happiness. Under these conditions, we are not at our best. We are in mental pain and live a sub-optimal life. You can see its impact when you compare it with your moments during a vacation, enjoying a movie with your family, or a walk in the woods. So, what do you do when you are in the grips of stress and anxiety?

Holistic Approaches to Mental Wellness

At the NDP Foundation, we advocate for a multi-faceted approach to overcoming anxiety and fear, grounded in the principles of self-inquiry, surrender, and the Three-Fold Path. These practices, alongside meditation, foster an intrinsic state of happiness and mental equilibrium:

1. Non-Identification with Anxiety: Recognize and observe anxious thoughts without attachment. The more you resist those thoughts of anxiety and fear, the stronger they become. By not resisting anxiety, we allow these transient moments to pass, acknowledging their impermanence.

2. Embracing the Present: Fixating over past events that you cannot change, or undo is futile. Similarly, worrying about events in the future and being fearful of what could happen is equally pointless. Here, the idea of being in the present moment, supported by techniques like mindfulness meditation, are a great way to just be and stay unattached to past events or future outcomes. This approach eliminates anxiety naturally while nurturing peace within.

3. Meditation as a Foundation: Consistent meditation practice transforms our approach to life’s challenges, cultivating peace and acceptance. Benefits of traditional meditation have been borne out by hundreds of studies. Meditating over a long period changes your whole demeanor and behavior, and you become peaceful and quiet. You start to accept events as they come rather than getting frustrated, upset, or anxious about them. Meditation often involves sitting quietly, focusing on a particular object, mantra, or breath, and observing the flow of thoughts without getting caught up in them. Sitting in silence and doing nothing calms your whole mind and body and makes you relaxed and happy. Try this the next time bad news hits you, or you’re overly anxious about some past or future event. Meditation has a medicinal effect on your body and mind. No wonder Sri Ashish always starts his Satsang (spiritual gathering) with fifteen minutes of sit-in-silence activity.

 

Beyond Meditation: Self-Inquiry, Surrender, and the Three-Fold Path

To deepen our journey toward mental wellness, the NDP Foundation incorporates the transformative practices of Self-inquiry, Surrender, and the Three-Fold Path:

· Self-inquiry: This method encourages questioning the nature of our being, leading to profound insights about our true self beyond the egoic mind. By exploring the question, “Who am I?” we peel away layers of false identification, coming closer to our essence.

· Surrender: Letting go of the need to control every aspect of our life and trusting in the flow of existence alleviates the burden of anxiety. Surrender involves accepting life as it unfolds, recognizing that we are part of a larger, interconnected whole.

· The Three-Fold Path: This approach encompasses understanding our true nature, implementing this understanding in daily life, and experiencing the transformative effects. It’s a cycle of growth that enhances our consciousness and fosters a deeper connection to our essence.

 

Conclusion

As we navigate through stress and anxiety in today’s fast-paced world, integrating meditation, self-inquiry, surrender, and the Three-Fold Path into our lives offers a comprehensive framework for achieving mental tranquility and happiness. These practices invite us to explore our inner landscape, leading to a life lived in harmony with our true nature. By fostering mindfulness, acceptance, and a deep understanding of self, we can transform our experience of the world, embracing each moment with peace and joy.