Peer Pressure And Depression In Teens
- Date: 2010-07-04 - Word Count: 505
Share This!
Teen peer pressure and depression often can leave emotional scars that can never heal. Sometimes we don't even see them in the people we love most.
For example, Linda Martinez accomplished much more in 29 years than most people do in 80. It is hard to imagine parents raising a more successful child than Linda.
A child prodigy on the piano, she was trained at the prestigious Yamaha School from the age of 4. She went on to graduate from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Donald Crockett, a professor of musical composition at USC, called Linda "one of the two or three most gifted young composers we've ever had."
Then after graduation, Linda performed with such well-known jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and Phil Woods. And in 2000, she toured as a keyboard player and arranger with the pop group Destiny's Child. She composed several film scores, as well as music for History Channel programs. Linda performed her own compositions at the United Nations and Kennedy Center.
One of the most talented musicians and composers of her generation, Linda Martinez sadly committed suicide in Los Angeles in 2005. She was only 29. Professor Crockett expressed the shock of everyone who knew Linda: "It's a big loss…she seemed like she was going to be a rocket."
But what caused Linda to choose such a path? After all, Linda's life to everyone seemed to be the stuff that fairy tales are made of-everything was going so well for her. So what went wrong? What was so awful that Linda felt like she had to take her own life?
Linda's mother had reported on several occasions to the press that Linda often complained of both back pain and insomnia-two of the classic warning signs of depression.
After looking at Linda's journals, Mrs. Martinez said: "Now we understand…this is not something that just came on."
Linda wasn't beautiful by Hollywood standards, not many people are. Yet a young girl as gifted as Linda surly should have been immune to the negative effects of peer pressure to which teens are often subjected to in both junior high and high school right? That is what the world would like us to think. After all, Linda was the best at everything she did. How could she have become a victim of depression?
Our society still teaches young girls that their worth as a person depends on their physical attractiveness. Teens see impossibly beautiful Victoria's Secrets' models every time they open their Yahoo e-mail accounts. Linda didn't look like a Victoria's Secrets' model, or like the girls in Destiny's Child. And although she played the piano like an angel, it wasn't enough to give her life meaning.
The only way to counteract the deadly influence of peer pressure and depression on your children is by teaching them their value as God's special creation. When your children discover who they are, they will be strong enough to withstand the storms that come in life.
Help your children discover their unique value as persons. You can give them no greater gift.
For example, Linda Martinez accomplished much more in 29 years than most people do in 80. It is hard to imagine parents raising a more successful child than Linda.
A child prodigy on the piano, she was trained at the prestigious Yamaha School from the age of 4. She went on to graduate from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. Donald Crockett, a professor of musical composition at USC, called Linda "one of the two or three most gifted young composers we've ever had."
Then after graduation, Linda performed with such well-known jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and Phil Woods. And in 2000, she toured as a keyboard player and arranger with the pop group Destiny's Child. She composed several film scores, as well as music for History Channel programs. Linda performed her own compositions at the United Nations and Kennedy Center.
One of the most talented musicians and composers of her generation, Linda Martinez sadly committed suicide in Los Angeles in 2005. She was only 29. Professor Crockett expressed the shock of everyone who knew Linda: "It's a big loss…she seemed like she was going to be a rocket."
But what caused Linda to choose such a path? After all, Linda's life to everyone seemed to be the stuff that fairy tales are made of-everything was going so well for her. So what went wrong? What was so awful that Linda felt like she had to take her own life?
Linda's mother had reported on several occasions to the press that Linda often complained of both back pain and insomnia-two of the classic warning signs of depression.
After looking at Linda's journals, Mrs. Martinez said: "Now we understand…this is not something that just came on."
Linda wasn't beautiful by Hollywood standards, not many people are. Yet a young girl as gifted as Linda surly should have been immune to the negative effects of peer pressure to which teens are often subjected to in both junior high and high school right? That is what the world would like us to think. After all, Linda was the best at everything she did. How could she have become a victim of depression?
Our society still teaches young girls that their worth as a person depends on their physical attractiveness. Teens see impossibly beautiful Victoria's Secrets' models every time they open their Yahoo e-mail accounts. Linda didn't look like a Victoria's Secrets' model, or like the girls in Destiny's Child. And although she played the piano like an angel, it wasn't enough to give her life meaning.
The only way to counteract the deadly influence of peer pressure and depression on your children is by teaching them their value as God's special creation. When your children discover who they are, they will be strong enough to withstand the storms that come in life.
Help your children discover their unique value as persons. You can give them no greater gift.
Amy Cainfield is a child safety advocate working in St.Louis. She recommends parental control software like PC Tattletale to help parents keep their kids safe online. Visit: http://www.pctattletale.com or http://www.pc-tattletale.comn
n Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the