(Editor’s note: The following letter is in regard to an article published in the January 2020 edition of the Community Alliance.)
I am concerned that the issues stated in the article, “What to Do About Teen Stress,” are vaguely portraying the effects of teen stress. It is important to know how to handle teen stress, however, blatantly explaining that the effect of stress results in drug use is exaggerated.
As a person who has experienced adolescent stress, I have never fallen victim to drugs once. I do believe that other mental issues, like adolescent depression or personality disorders, arise when one is in a constant state of stress; therefore, drug use is not the only effect of stress.
Schools are also blamed for not “doing anything” about the mental health of teens, however, I recall a time when schools inherited and dedicated their time to spread Red Ribbon Week, a drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. This campaign is influential to teens, not only by promoting the phrase, “Say No to Drugs,” but also because it involves basic decision-making.
Lastly, an increased awareness of teen stress can be a beneficial aspect of helping those who need to know that normalizing it is all right, and resolutions are not obscure. I agree that physical health is just as important as mental health. People of all ages need a good balance between the two so that they can pleasantly live their lives.
Gaozoua Jessie Cha
Fresno
