"I decided to photograph my challenge project on a very important issue that is dear to my heart. Depression, anxiety, and isolation are very serious topics even if the media portrays it in a different way. Because of so many things that are thrown at teenagers, and the expectations they must reach, teens are like butterflies barely in the stage of metamorphosis. They are developing into adulthood. Without freedom, the butterfly will never learn to fly on its own. We as people strive to be the best in every aspect of our lives, and we are willing to wreck ourselves in order to accomplish it. Many teens are given such high expectations from parents and teachers who don’t understand that sometimes these expectations can be very hard to accomplish and it’s beyond our reach.

Because depression is a very common misconception, it is thought to be just a joke or something that we say we have because we want attention. It is not a game and it has many consequences if not handled properly. Although some people don’t understand it, that doesn’t mean it isn’t real or that it’s less important.

It isn’t fair that teenagers have to handle their internal struggles alone because they are afraid to open up. They feel isolated or might feel like a puppet living other people's dreams and ambitions. Many teens believe that they can handle it themselves when in reality they cannot. Not asking for help can cause many more issues in a person’s life such as leaning towards alcohol and drugs. It is okay to ask for help when we need. Teens need to realize that asking for help doesn’t make them weak, rather it makes them strong because they are willing to open up about their issues.

Mental illnesses are very common amongst teens. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, about three million teens have suffered from a depressive episode in a year. Together we can participate to talk about it because it can help bring solutions to these topics. Resources should be available for all students from elementary school, middle school to high school level. Having these resources available for students is a step in the right direction. I want students to feel that they have a support system at school. I want the new generation to feel good about themselves and have a healthy beginning. Together we can make a difference.

Resources: http://time.com/4547322/american-teens-anxious-depressed-overwhelmed"