Why Do Troubled Youth Love Anime?

Does your teen have a love for anime that leaves you confused? Unless you also appreciate anime, it can be difficult to understand why your teenager is constantly watching anime, hanging posters in his room, or even cosplaying as his favorite character. You may even blame the anime for some of the troubling behaviors your teen is displaying because he seems to be so involved in the world of anime.

But is anime truly to blame for your teen struggling? Whether your teen is depressed, acting out, or otherwise displaying behavioral issues, it’s essential to recognize the true culprit.

Why does your teen love anime so much?

If you love anime, you may get why your teen also loves it - to a degree. Teens can often take their love for things to the point of obsession, which can also see them staying up all night binge-watching instead of sleeping.

So, what is the appeal for teens? It may be more layered than you first thought.

• The music can be catchy and express how your teen feels. Many shows are made to reflect how the viewers may be feeling, but anime is something teens tend to resonate with.
• The characters are relatable. If your teen can identify with the characters, they’ll want to spend more time watching. This can be particularly true if your teen is struggling. They’ll connect with characters who are likely their age and prevailing against the odds. Anime can let teens see that, even at their age, they can be triumphant over the adversity that they face.
• Anime can be filled with flashy action and heartwarming and wholesome. This means that it can offer something for everyone and every mood.
• Your teen and his friends may enjoy anime, which helps connect them. Teens crave connection, so if something offers them a strong link to their friends, they’ll lean into it. Anime fans span the globe, and they are of all ages. Your teen will be able to connect with others outside of his circle of family and friends.
• An escape from reality and the things that are causing teens to feel stress is always welcome. Anime can offer your teen this escape. Because anime can be so relatable, teens can see themselves in the characters while also escaping from their stress and struggles.

Remember that anime isn’t inherently bad. Your teen turning to anime may be a type of temporary solution effect for him. He could be looking for a way to cope with his struggles, and anime offers him this escape route.

What could be behind your teen’s struggles?

If it’s not anime, what could be the cause of the struggles your teen faces? It will largely depend on the behavioral or mental health issues you’re seeing in your teen. Some of the most commonly seen causes may include the following.

• Mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression
• ADHD
• Trauma, whether recent or unresolved, from his past
• Struggles at school, whether being bullied or having a hard time with classes
• Difficulties at home, such as having a hard time dealing with parental fighting or a divorce
• A recent move or loss of friends and the familiar

Getting to the bottom of what is really behind your troubled teen's behavior can help put you on the right path to helping him through it.

Types of help for troubled youth

With an understanding of what might be to blame for your teen’s struggles, you can get him the right help. This help could include outpatient therapy, medication, peer support groups, and additional support at school.

A focus on healthy healing can help your teen face a brighter future. In some cases, a residential treatment center is a better long-term solution for a teen having a hard time at school and home. At Liahona Academy, we offer teens a supportive environment that will address their needs.