14 DAY TRIAL // A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada found that most teenagers prefer keeping their problems to themselves and silently suffer, instead of sharing them with their family or close friends.
What is even more disappointing and alarming at the same time is the fact that adolescents who presented the highest levels of stress and were found to deal with the most overwhelming problems are the ones who stubbornly refused to opt out for a confident and talk about their problems with him/her.
They said that they would rather think about their problems themselves and solve them (IF they succeeded in it) on their own. If they failed to find solutions or a way to deal with a disturbing problem, they would prefer turning to alcohol and even drug consumption than discussing with a family member or a friend. The most stressed and depressed adolescents burdened by problems also stated that their parents are a major source of stress for them and this is why they could never consider parental advice or help.
Overall, 42% of the teenagers investigated in the study admitted that they never, or very rarely, discuss their problems with close friends or family members. They prefer being burdened by problems and keeping them within their minds and/or souls. Whether they find a solution for the problems or they get more difficult and painful with each day that passes...they didn't know, and also seemed not to care so much about this aspect.
Dr. Patricia McDougall, co-author of the research and Psychology Professor at the University of Saskatchewan stated: "It's too high a percentage of teens that, for whatever reason, are not seeking help when they need it. The fact that so many of them are rarely or never asking for help ... they don't cope as well, they are less likely to go to their parents and more likely to tell us their parents are a source of stress. I want to contribute to a generation of young people who will seek the help they need."
On the other hand, adolescents who said that it is a good thing to go and share life problems and issues with friends, family or anyone close to you stated that the tougher thing to do is to go and seek for help. After you have the "guts" to admit that you have problems and you need to discuss them with someone what was difficult is already gone, because most people are very willing to listen to you and help you as much as they can.
"The kids that do routinely ask for help, report that they get help almost every time. It's just a matter of going out there and getting it," pointed out Dr. McDougall.