Teenage Problems

Problems come in two categories: Problems that you have no control over, and problems that come as a consequence of something you have done. Examples of the first category include things like cancer and the death of a parent. You deal with them as they occur as best you can. Examples of the second category include drugs and pregnancy. You prevent these in your own life by being smart and learning the facts ahead of time so you can avoid them. The book The Teenager's Guide to the Real World is a great place to start learning the facts.

What if you, personally, have a problem? Or one of your friends? It matters, and it is real. It doesn't matter what the problem is: as soon as it affects you personally in some way, it becomes important.

The first step in solving or coping with a problem (or in helping a friend with a problem) is recognizing that the problem exists. For example, if you have "a problem with drugs," nothing will happen until you recognize that you have the problem. Only you can fix it. That is what makes recognition so important.

Once you recognize that the problem is there, you can begin to understand it and your options. One of the best things you can do is find someone to talk to. That someone might be one of your parents, an adult you trust, a teacher or counselor at school, a minister or priest, or a person on a 1-800 help line (see below). Talking really helps, no matter what your problem is.

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