Struggles in adolescence

We often hear about pupils and students dropping out of learning institutions, having mental breakdowns, going through depression, resorting to drugs, alcohol and even suicide. With all that adolescents go through, why does all this still come as a shock? Why are such precarious beings expected to make prime life changing decisions on a regular basis?

I think that for many, the struggles start in high school. You get there and the first thing is to choose companions to share this bittersweet journey that will forever be within the walls of your memory. It's a decision that according to your parents, should be "carefully considered", as if you have the power over who you click with, you could meet someone totally different from you and yet have an unbreakable bond.

Moreover, you are having an identity crisis. How are you supposed to choose who to hangout with when unlike most peers who seem to have it all figured out, you hardly know where you belong and your emotions are all over the place. Meanwhile, there's constant nervousness around the opposite sex, then comes the crush whom you are quickly told to stay far away from for as long as you live, exam stress, anxiety about getting good grades, flings, break-ups, make-ups, emotional eruptions, body changes, acne, and more!

The sophomore years end and soon you have to make yet another life altering decision, the stream you'll be going into, this decision is likely to have an effect on all your future desired endeavours, for better or worse. This might be justified as an easy choice as you go with what you're good at or where your interests lie, and this is not expected to change. You find this difficile as you hardly seem to commit to anything lately, things change all the time, how could things be any different when you are really a moving combustion of hormones.

By grace if not a miracle, you make it through high school all in one piece but with dented and not so shining armor. After surviving what you thought was the toughest battle, tertiary comes knocking. With it comes choosing the right study field despite the pressure from your parents, society and friends. Moreover, dealing with student loans, having a social life, being fashion accurate and keeping your family happy.

You finally realise that you are too young to be making such big life decisions, but generations of adolescents before you have been on the exact train, if doors do not open until the final destination, you might as well sit and try to enjoy the ride.