Navigating the Roller Coaster of Growth and Stress

By Michael Cole ’27

When has life ever been easy? A thrilling yet unpredictable journey filled with highs and lows – a roller coaster known as adolescence. Adolescence is a formative stage in life, marked by rapid physical, mental, social, and emotional changes.
Academic pressure, peer influences, family dynamics, your social life, body image, and yes, your phone can contribute to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. In February, Chaminade’s Friends of St. Dymphna coordinated a visit from clinical psychologist Dr. Chris Fisher, PsyD, ’07 to discuss some of these challenges faced by Chaminade students. The presentation included a talk given by Dr. Fisher followed by a panel discussion. The panel was comprised of Dr. Fisher, students
and staff.

Dr. Fisher reminded the audience that stress is unavoidable. Personal struggles, financial strain, the pursuit of personal identity can all take a toll. Worrying about the future and mulling over past regrets creates a constant negative cycle that is difficult to break. Dr. Fisher emphasized the importance of maintaining an optimal level of stress – too much leads to burnout, while too little results in lower productivity and boredom.

To manage stress, each individual must first understand his own stress and figure out his own zone of optimal stress. Secondly, the individual should find strategies to help with stress management and school-life balance. This may require additional help. Mr. Giardina ’03 of the Guidance Department spoke of some of the resources available to help students manage stress and anxiety. He mentioned that in addition to guidance counselors, students can turn to coaches
and to teachers who take on the role of mentor.

Faith in Chaminade also plays a role in well-being, and Dr. Fisher reinforced the mind-spirit-body connection. Ms. Hafner reminded students that all humans are created in God’s image, meaning that every person we encounter has an inherent dignity that we must recognize and uphold. In addition to seeing others in this light, according to Ms. Hafner, we should also recognize this value in ourselves.
Adolescence may be full of twists and turns, but with the right mindset and proper support, one can learn to navigate it with confidence.