For many teenagers, their sudden bodily and mental changes come as a shock. But this shock is only temporary - they soon realize that these changes are common to all the therefore nothing dangerous. For some teenagers, however, the transition is not smooth. The prolonged presence of fear may cause deep and long-lasting damage to their personality. Such youngsters need sympathetic help from their elders. They must be taught that they are going through a transition period, and a new body and a new mind are being formed, that all these changes are perfectly alright and are not signs of any weakness or disease.
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Swami Vivekananda said a wonder-ful thing in this regard, which seems a reliable standard - "The best guide in life is Strength.... The sign of vigour, the sign of life, the sign of hope, the sign of health, the sign of everything that is good is - Strength."
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What this means is as follows: Watch impartially; none of these bodily and mental changes will weaken the body, nor bring about a loss of general health, nor lead to lack of vigour in the mind, which means that these changes are for the better and not for the worse. In spite of these doubts and fears lingering in the mind, the students will manage to remain in usual spirits and keep up good academic performance. If this happens, it means there is nothing to worry and the fears will slowly disappear when he or she evolves into an adult.
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Fear affects different teenagers differently, according to their constitution, temperament and upbringing. Some students are shy and diffident in making new acquaintances; some may find it difficult to accommodate themselves in a new environment; in some, it may manifest as a fear to speak boldly; in others it may result in a lack of confidence to shoulder even minor responsibilities; some may tend to avoid challenging opportunities while some may choose to remain reserved always. Thus, it is not possible to say definitely how this "Adolescent fear" might affect an individual.
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Knowing this, you should avoid comparing yourself with others. Comparing with others will invariably leave you morose or disheartened; instead of such fruitless activities, busy yourself in developing the faculties and talents that you already possess. These are beneficial, confidence-building measures.
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It is better to know that in spite of all these steps and preventive measures, a little fear could continue to remain in the heart, mainly because adolescence is a period of transition; both body and mind undergo great changes; new feelings and aspirations enter the brain and heart; one's whole perspective of the world undergoes a sea-change. During such turbulent periods, a little fear might remain in spite of all your efforts. This you must learn to quietly put up with. It will leave you when you pass out of adolescence and become an adult. Time is the only remedy for this fear. Bear with it patiently.
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Identify some dependable, trust-worthy, sympathetic, helpful elders. Approach them for general and specific guidance. Their love and help will prove most beneficial to tide over turbulent times, quell your fear and remain happy and peaceful. But, as we have already mentioned, speaking of these fears with our same-aged friends and brooding over them will only make a mountain of more-hill and bring in unwanted suffering.
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