The hosts of one of the podcasts I listen to every day (it’s a comedy-based podcast) will often play little “games” where a scenario is presented and the pros and cons are weighed.
A recent one asked, “If you were paid $1 million to go back and re-live middle school and high school, would you?” Of course, there were some caveats… I think one was that you had an adult mentality, but you weren’t able to use it to your advantage.
Ultimately, my answer was I would NOT go back. High school was somewhat of a troubling time for me, as it is for most… in part because that age can make you feel powerless. You’re stuck in a classroom where you have to raise your hand to ask a question, and even then you may not be called upon. You have to ask permission to go to the bathroom. And if you’re late for class, there are consequences.
As composer and songwriter Chris Edgar puts it, you’re a passive “receiver” who is taught data which you must then regurgitate.
Chris recently joined Rewired Radio host, Erica Spiegelman, to share insight about his film, The Breakout, a musical that follows a group of young adults who come to realize their true potential and power to change their own destiny. In short, it follows a teen boy (Albert) and his quest to rescue to the girl he loves (Cara, aka Scara because she cuts herself) from a psychiatric hospital.
Chris hopes the film will open up discussion about the many mental health issues teens face every day: anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, cutting, etc.
And, it may help further understanding as to why more and more teens are being hospitalized or prescribed psychotropic drugs simply as a result of disciplinary issues that parents feel inept to handle.
Emotions don’t multiply with age. Teens have just as many (and intense) thoughts and feelings as adults. The problem is, they’re not equipped with the tools to know what to do with them. It’s important for parents and other adults to give these teens a safe space to be able to explore who they are and express what they’re feeling without being judged or reprimanded.
I encourage you to listen to the episode for all the details, and you can also find the film on Amazon by CLICKING HERE.
Sylver Lyning 