I find this to be very true. I guess thats part of the reason why I problems with anxiety/depression. It is hard to fit in when you are a individual. I would never give up my individuality or what I believe to be part of a group. Kids can be cruel and they later grow up to be cruel adults and teach their children to be cruel/bullies. The circle seems to repeat its self over and over again. I don't know what you can do about it.
I want to add, in college, for me, it was different. It wasn't as scary to stand alone in college. It was bigger and everyone came from different countries and different ages. Everyone was 'new'.
I remember elementary school was very fun for me but it all changed from middle school. Kids were rough then and the way you dressed was so important. My childhood best friend eventually became a cheer leader and was very popular and i was eventually 'forgotten'. i went to find my own new friends... and in high school I moved to many different 'groups' eventually leaving all because I never really fit in any. In class, i was the invisible kid and not much people paid attention to me, which was good for me because I was shy to converse anyway. it was weird because the 'friends' i had in elementary school, we'd have same classes in high school, but we'd all ignore each other. i was happy when i graduated. I never moved schools and I always dreamed of it, escaping to a brand new school.
i don't know how this system could be 'better', I feel like it's all about the confidence in that individual.
High-school sucked for me too. I moved around alot...4 different provinces in 4 years..due to my father's military transfers and my parents tumultuos relationship, I also had bad acne and was chubby..so got some teasing but was mostly ignored by the other students. In those days there was no e-mail, and I remember I had made a friend that I wanted to keep in touch with, but long-distance was so expensive. I was very depressed for a long time, but , like Sunny, it helped shape me into who I am now..and I'm ok with that..., I excaped by reading lots of books..and still enjoy it today. Those years probably did contribute to my anxiety ..I haven't thought about that. Interesting.
Great idea Sunny! I think that would be really helpful and I am sure lots of students would love it too! It would help the new person and the helper!
I am glad that you were able to turn your challenging youth into a positive! It made you the special person you are today! I must say it is very nice to see your friendly, smiling face on your posts now ! Great picture!
Because of military constant moving around, I was often the new person at high school. One year I went to three different high schools before everything was settled. It was difficult to be the outsider especially if the others were already in a "group". Once in awhile there would be a girl who did welcome and was very generous and kind showing me around and introducing. I guess though looking back, that's what made me who I am, friendly and open because I know what it can be like to be excluded. And I bet that did add to my stress.
I think it would be great if every high school had a welcoming cttee. for newbies just as they do in university. It would be nice if each homeroom (if they still do that these days) appointed someone who could help the newbies for the first while - especially at lunchtime. Yikes, what a scary minefield that can be when you don't know anyone.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota & Vermont have found that there seems to be a link between social acceptance and the incidence of depression & anxiety.
According to their findings, teens who were readily accepted by peers were less likely to internalize emotions and develop anxiety or depression in young adulthood.
What do you think? What was high school like for you? Did you have trouble connecting to others? What solutions do you believe may help youth today?
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! Great picture!
