Navigating the Teenage Rollercoaster

Photo by Jamie Street

Samantha Williams, LMSW (she/her), is a highly dedicated therapist with a profound belief in the importance of being seen and heard. Armed with a Master's degree in Social Welfare from SUNY Albany and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology & Criminology from Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice. Her professional journey has encompassed roles in Child Protective Services, Mental Health Stabilization Centers with Youth, Substance Use Recovery Centers, and Community Mental Health, all while maintaining a thriving private practice. Samantha specializes in empowering individuals to navigate through women's issues, addiction, life transitions, relationship complexities, and matters of sexuality. Her therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding and validating her clients' unique life experiences while guiding them toward self-discovery using their values and goals as a compass.

Hey, Teenager! You’ll probably never find this because it’s a blog on a website and not TikTok but maybe your parent/s, guardians or teacher will. Let's chat about why being a teenager can feel like riding a rollercoaster through a tornado. 🎢🌪️

Physical Changes: So, remember when you woke up one day, and suddenly your voice was doing a crazy dance, and hair started showing up in unexpected places? Yep, that's puberty, and it can make you feel like you're in a never-ending awkward phase.

Hormonal Changes: Ever had those days when you go from feeling like a superhero to a grumpy gremlin in no time? Blame it on those hormones! They mess with your mood and emotions, making you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster.

Identity Crisis: Figuring out who you are and what you believe in can be as tricky as getting your Fortnite together. You might doubt yourself and wonder where you fit in.

Peer Pressure: It's like there's this invisible force that makes you want to fit in with the crowd, even if it means doing things you're not so sure about. That pressure can lead to some dicey decisions.

Academic Stress: School, right? The constant tests, assignments, and the pressure to decide what you want to be when you grow up can feel like trying to juggle flaming torches.

Photo by Kevin Laminto

Independence vs. Dependence: You want to be free, but you still rely on your parents or guardians. It's like you're riding a seesaw between wanting to be a grown-up and needing support.

Friendship Drama: Friends can be awesome, but they can also be as unpredictable as the weather. Friendships change, and sometimes it feels like you're walking on a tightrope.

Bullying and Drama: Sadly, not everyone in school is super nice. Bullying or conflicts with peers can make life feel like a bad teen drama movie.

Family Fights: Arguments with family can make you feel like you're trapped in a never-ending reality show. You want independence, but they still see you as their little kid.

Pressure from Society: Everyone seems to expect you to be a superhero who excels in everything. The pressure to be great at everything can be a heavy backpack to carry.

Tech and Social Media: Ah, the endless scrolling and comparing yourself to others online. It can be exhausting, and sometimes it feels like you're lost in the virtual world.

Mental Health Stuff: Anxiety and depression can sneak up on you, especially with all the other challenges you're facing. It's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! Many teenagers manage to tackle these challenges and come out stronger. You've got resilience in your toolkit, and there are people who genuinely want to help you through these wild teenage years—your parents, caregivers, teachers, and even mental health professionals. So, hang in there! You're not alone in this rollercoaster ride. With a bit of support and a dash of self-belief, you can make it through and come out even stronger on the other side. And if you ever feel like it’s too much, here’s some added resources below. 🌟💪

If you are having a crisis in New York City please text NYC Well’s crisis text line at 65173, this line works only within NYC. Outside of NYC call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255, or go to your nearest emergency room or walk-in health center.

Other 24/7 assistance:

Substance Use/Addiction and Mental Health: 800.662.HELP;

Trans Lifeline 877.565.8860;

Hunger Hotline 866.888.8777.

The Samaritans Call: 212.673.3000

Crisis Text Line Text: HOME to 741471

By: Samantha Williams, LMSW (she/her)