From Beatlemania to Mass Hysteria

Since the early 1960s, there hasn’t been any phenomenon quite like the Beatles, who were dearly loved by their female fans. Until today, that is. The UK boy band, One Direction, is creating a media frenzy during their US tour. Thousands of screaming teenage girls are always on hand, just trying to catch a glimpse of the group. If you saw the crowds you would think it was mass hysteria.

The way girls are socialized, coupled with hormonal changes and peer pressure, can impact fan behavior. As parents, hopefully you’re just dealing with love struck teens, groupie attitudes and loud music. But if your teenage daughters are facing more serious emotional conflicts, here are some tips that may help:

Promote a positive outlook. Encourage your kids to be aware of and develop their internal strengths. And support them in setting goals that will move them forward. You’ll see that focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel will help reduce their anxiety.

Initiate stress-reducing activities. Regular exercise like jogging or biking releases endorphins and can elevate their mood. Yoga and deep breathing brings about greater relaxation. And time at the gym will not only make them feel better but increase the socialization that is so healing for teens.

Maintain structure and continuity. By stabilizing the environment with a familiar routine, they'll feel less unsure of themselves and more secure. Direct them toward good role models. And as you model hopeful thinking and support their positive actions, eventually they will thrive.

You can scroll back to Monday's post and read about the teen girls from Le Roy Junior-Senior High School in upstate New York who are still struggling with Conversion Disorder.