As a teen, the world is confusing enough on its own. Between mental health, social pressure, relationships with peers, workload balance, family dynamics shifting, hobbies, passions, sports, and most prominently, figuring out who you are, your own life likely has a lot going on. However, we have a lot more on our shoulders than what directly affects us; we carry others’ weight, along with the world’s. So when we have hard weeks, filled with pain from the world and see our societies barely holding on, how are we expected to continue forward? As confusing, frustrating, and devastating life may be right now, there are some things you can do to help make sense of these current events.  

Knowing what you believe, especially at a formative age, is a luxury. Many of us are starting to form our opinions on various political and social issues, aligning ourselves with a side, a politician, or a group of people. It may feel isolating to not agree with others around you or be stuck between two sides. As odd as it may seem, politics isn’t black and white; you don’t have to be completely right or left. You are a human, malleable and fluid. We have different pieces of us, different sides that come alive around contrasting groups of people, conjured out by places, songs, thoughts, etc. You can be a conglomerate; you don’t have to fit this imaginary mold or let others try to force you into it. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to share ideas with your peers, parents, your neighbor Paul down the street, or the politician on the TV. You are your own person, so give yourself some time to digest what you think, listen to your emotions, and form what you believe. Keep it safe, hear people out, but don’t let others persuade you away from your beliefs, especially the ones you’re passionate about. 

Knowing what you believe forms part of who you are. It helps program your reactions to headlines and your emotions when responding to the world around you. Not everyone is going to believe or stand for the same things you do; that doesn’t always mean one is in the wrong and another is in the right. As imperative as it is that we stand together in these difficult times, many will argue that you shouldn’t. When you have beliefs, whether you share them or not, someone will be opposed to them and even try to argue with your beliefs. As easy as it would be to cast people out, like many are advocating you do, I urge you to invite them in more. There will always be subjects in this world that you don’t agree with. Still, a high-functioning participant in society can view these beliefs, attempt to understand where the person is coming from, and accept the person, even if you don’t agree. Being around contrasting people helps your views become concrete and expand your perception. It’s important to remember there are multiple sides of every story, and when you reject the other perspective, no matter the topic, you receive a 2D version of living. You’re not fully immersing yourself in the conversation, and therefore, you’re not participating in it. 

You’ve probably seen these fights for each side on social media, or even videos containing mass unfollowing of friends, due to stories posted and hashtags used. Remember, social media is a double-edged sword; while it helps connect you with friends and spreads awareness, it also spreads fake headlines and caters to fear-mongering.  Is it good to know what’s going on in the world? Absolutely, however, when each swipe is a new travesty and headlines are taking over every waking moment, the cost isn’t necessarily worth the reward. Especially when it’s so easy to spread false accusations, we’re living in our phones now more than ever, when I believe we should be branching out. Take a breath, meet a friend for coffee, walk outside, and enjoy time with family. Fear stems from anxiety, and screens have been known for years to increase anxiety dramatically. Take some time off, shut down the screens, and engage in real life and conversations. 

There’s so much unraveling in the world right now, and a new layer is revealed every day. Hopefully, now you feel much more confident to take on the world and digest what that truly means. I’m not advocating for you to move on from this devastation, but I want you to know if you feel depressed or upset, that’s valid. It’s a depressing and upsetting world, and as a participant, you’re allowed to grieve what our society has become. Guard your heart so you can take it on and be a part of the conversation. Take a deep breath, define what’s happening in the world, and don’t let it define you.