Getting by With a Little Help from Your Friends
Friends are obviously a key ingredient in our lives. We need them when we are frustrated, angry, or when we just want to have a good time (Berndt, 1992). A friend can also help us gain great character traits such as loyalty, generosity, and helpfulness. Friends can be especially important in providing us with support when we have problems with our own families. They can increase our confidence, make us more comfortable and successful in school, and even prevent depression (Berndt, 1992). As a result of Hurricane Katrina, many teens have been displaced all over the country. This means that many teens have been separated from their schools, teachers, and closest friends. These teens now face up to the stress and emotional problems caused by the trauma of the disaster while away from the closest sources of support (Kreuger & Stretch, 2003). Furthermore, they are trying to become acclimated to a new city and a new school. Understandably, these transitions can cause pain, stress, and anxiety (Pratt & George, 2005). This section is for displaced youths, as well as youth all around the country who want to reach out to them. We will discuss the social challenges that displaced youth face, and what can be done to help!
What are the challenges for displaced youth?