NANA SAYS ARE TODAYS' YOUTH MORE ANXIOUS THAN OTHER GENERATIONS?

While reading an article in The Globe and Mail on anxiety, it made me wonder about the whole issue of anxiety and teenagers. One quote has teenagers stating they are more anxious than their parents at the same age and apparently more medicated. It is interesting but how does one generation of teenagers know how anxious another generation had been. Is it the same old thing-you did not have it as tough as we are having it now? I recall lots of anxiety in my teens and witnessed the same with my children when they were teens. Pressures at school, with friends, trying to achieve, wanting to go to the right college or university, worried about relationships, to have sex, to do drugs etc. My parents- the great-grandparents dealt with young men going off to war and some not returning. The psychiatrist quoted in the article-Dr. Stanley Kutcher from Dalhousie University- a specialist in adolescent anxiety -generally states that anxiety is inherited from our ancestors- protects us to fight or flee. Basically if we are anxious about something, find a way to deal with it. The writer of the article stated our society has created anxious, poorly coping adults. Perhaps some are not coping well but there are many that are coping quite well. Working parents do have anxious pressured moments just like this working parent did when my children were growing up. Many parents are very responsible to try to find quiet, positive, family moments to counter the stress of trying to do too much. Yes there are those that want quick fixes like medication to make everything go away. But there are those that try to use relaxation techniques, exercise, sports, reading together, going to church, and what works for their family group. Teenagers have pressures because they are one step away from being an adult. They are no longer little and not quite big enough. They are pushing against authority but wanting some boundaries. Nothing has really changed. Ever Socrates in his famous quote- what is wrong with the youth of today. Seeing the positive side of anxiety like Dr. Kutcher states motivates us to get going- studying for a test! There are many things that create anxiety- having to drive home in a snowstorm, having your computer freeze with your current essay or project, breaking up with a girlfriend/boyfriend, waiting to hear back from the admission's department of your chosen university/college, and the list could go on. There will be more articles of how anxiety is affecting our culture in The Globe and Mail. I certainly will give them a read. Some anxiety is normal at normal events. If your anxiety becomes debilitating then seek some professional help. But if you are 16 going on 17, well it is normal for the average teenager to feel some pressures. Believe me other generations certainly did. If you do not believe me, talk to your grandparent to give some perspective. If you are looking for information about anxiety, give Dr. Stanley Kutcher some thought in your pursuit! What do you have as suggestions for any teenager dealing with anxiety? What do you do to help with your own anxious moments?