The Teenage Mind

Surviving Adolescence

Growing up and figuring out who you are is already tough as it is, dealing with labels and constantly trying to adhere to expectations makes it even harder. Every person is different in their own way and there are many multilateral aspects that contribute to who a person truly is. Labels oversimplify who you are, which is why they have such a huge impact on teenagers’ self-esteem. Never forget that labels are just words, they don’t determine who you are or who you will become.

Understanding the Impact

Some labels may be seen as “harmless” or even “positive” but oftentimes there is much that doesn’t meet the surface. It is important to understand the impact of labels not only on yourself, but also on those around you. Especially when growing up, it’s perfectly normal to feel a sense of wanting to belong or fit in somewhere which is what leads to the creation of labels in the first place. When you look at the way others define you, how does it make you feel? Understanding the impact of labels is the first step towards overcoming them.

Defining Yourself

You are more than just one word. never forget all of your strengths and qualities that make you the person you are. What matters isn’t how people see you, but how you choose to define yourself. People’s perceptions of you can easily change and it’s important to remember that everyone has their own perspectives; contrary to popular belief, labels don’t stick, in fact they can quickly change.

Doing Reflection

Labels are a result of how others view you. You should never base yourself off of what others think, however sometimes certain perceptions are a result of how you present yourself. This isn’t always in line with who you truly are, and the way people define you can change based on how long they’ve known you, how well they know you or the environment you were observed etc. Perception is a tricky thing and you can’t always expect everyone to see you exactly the way you want.