So what I want to talk about today, affects everybody, but mostly teenagers: miscommunication and how it could play mind games with us. I mean, by now we all pretty much know how hard it can be to get across. This can be a trigger for anxiety, depression, and a whole load of other problems connected to mental health.
An example would be in the movie ”The Perks of Being a Wallflower”, and one of the best occurrences of miscommunication: if you haven't seen it, it follows around a teen named Charlie who has trouble fitting in or understanding anyone around him. He constantly misinterprets social cues and more often than not ends up feeling completely alone in his problems. The loneliness crosses into depression and anxiety. The movie goes to great lengths to explain how not getting each other could be a result of lots of pain.
A good instance is “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger; the main character, Holden Caulfield, feels separated from everyone else. He thinks no one understands him, and because of that, he doesn't communicate his feelings. Such miscommunication only leads to loneliness and depression. It reminds everyone that when one is unable to express oneself or others fail to get who we really are, it surely does weigh heavily upon the mind.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 31% of adolescents have anxiety disorders within the U.S. Miscommunication can also be a huge factor for this very reason. If we feel misunderstood or as though we can't convey our feelings fully, the level of concern can go up higher. These statistics make the most common problems noticeable and show why they are imperative to address. The time I remember is when my best friend and I had the biggest fight. We both had a lot going on in our own lives, but we never talked about it. We just ended up speculating about each other's behaviour. I thought she did it on purpose to leave me alone, and she thought I didn't care because I didn't want to hear her problems. From that moment on, a lot of hurt feelings and stress ensued. Finally, we sat down and talked, realizing how much we had both misunderstood each other, which was a hard lesson in the importance of good communication for the soundness of one's mind.
1. Honest and Open : Don't be afraid to say what you're feeling, even if it's hard to explain the same.
2. Listen Actively : Actively listen to what the other person is saying, rather than planning in your mind along the lines of what you are going to respond with or counter with.
3. Ask questions : If you are not clear about what someone is telling you, ask specifically what they mean.
4. Use "I" Statements : This helps express how you feel without sounding accusatory. For example, "I feel hurt when…" instead of "You always…"
Miscommunication is the key reason that makes us feel lonely, anxious, or depressed. From the examples found in films, such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” to books like “The Catcher in the Rye”, it seems important to be understood and to understand. Remember, it's okay to ask for help and to work on improving communication with those around you. Your mental well-being is worth it.
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