There’s a stigma surrounding the idea of therapy. People hesitate to use say the word or to admit that they are in or are even considering therapy. Therapy tends to be a closely guarded secret. And that could be because mental health is a medical condition and one’s medical information tends to be private information. However, I think it’s more than just an issue of privacy. … [Read more...]
Get To Know AiT: Interview with Katie Haddad, AiT Contributor
Learning to take care of yourself, understanding which coping strategies work for you and what kind of support systems you need is critical on the path to managing and living with mental health issues. And, as we can all likely agree, it isn't a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. Each person has a unique set of strategies and support that works specifically for them. For some … [Read more...]
7 Things We Know Now That We Wish We Knew Then About Therapy
If you've experienced anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, you may be thinking about seeking therapy. But, perhaps you've been too nervous to take the plunge. What if the therapist doesn't understand me or judges me? What if I don't know where to start? Our Anxiety In Teens Summer 2018 Fellows are here to clear the air and give you the confidence you need to … [Read more...]
3 Steps to Managing the Transition to College
College life is a very big transition for many students. Especially those who are already dealing with other life problems, like a mental health disorder. Trying to learn how to live and navigate on your own can take awhile. For our whole lives, many of us have lived with our parents' support. Now, in an instant, we are out on our own, away from home. We will come across some … [Read more...]
AiT Exclusive Interview: Marie @ Mxiety and Telling Our Mental Health Stories
Mental health stories are a critical ingredient to reducing stigma and getting needed resources into the hands of teens and families everywhere. One individual we’re super excited about who is doing great work in this space is Marie @ Mxiety.com! Join us for this exclusive AiT interview! AiT: Tell us a little bit about your personal journey with mental health? It’s … [Read more...]
Soiling The Nest – What a Parent Can Expect When Your Teen Goes Off to College
Look Out – Bumpy Road Ahead Congrats to your high school grad! He/she might be ready to head off for college – immediately – even though it’s only June. The feelings begin before graduation, of course. Not only will your teen be ready to go, but you may also be really ready for him/her to leave. It’s commonly referred to as “soiling the nest” and – yes – it's a real … [Read more...]
7 Things I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then About Therapy
On the fence about therapy? Anxious about what to expect? Our expert panel of young adults have wisdom and inspiration to ease your nerves and help you take the plunge sooner: You Are In Control If you don’t want to talk about something, you can just say, “I don’t want to talk about that right now.” If you don’t think something is working, you can say, “Let’s try … [Read more...]
Why You Need to Help Yourself By Going to Therapy
The topic of therapy can often times be a tricky one. Many feel like it is the “last straw” or the route that you take when your situation becomes uncontrollable. But when it comes to dealing with symptoms of mental illness, often therapy can be one of your best friends and the start to your road to recovery. This negative view is one that I believe is dominating our society … [Read more...]
Parents: You’re Doing Just Fine
In this my first parent post for Anxiety in Teens, I introduce myself to you, fellow mothers and fathers caring for an adolescent struggling with mental illness, with this caveat: If there was a mistake to be made raising my teens with anxiety, I made it. If there was a wrong thing to have said to them, I said it. Probably many times. (As you no doubt are aware, it can be damn … [Read more...]
13 Ways Volunteering and Giving Back Can Instantly Change Your Mood
Feeling blue? Sometimes the best way to get out of your own head and lift your spirits is by volunteering. Not only will you make a difference for someone else in a real and meaningful way, but mixing up your daily routine by taking time to help others can noticeably improve your mood and health. Harvard Medical School found that those who volunteered more even live longer! So, … [Read more...]
7 Ways To Support a Teen Coping with Mental Illness
As children grow up and out of their elementary school years, they begin the transitional state in life often associated with hormonal terrors and a variety of events that are rites of passage. That being said, a strained relationship with older family members - especially parental figures - is recognized as a common developmental experience. But what about instances where … [Read more...]
This Is Why Mental Health Is So Hard To Talk About
In society’s eyes, I don’t have a mental health story. I’m “normal”, which is to say that I am damaged in ways that society deems acceptable and manageable. I bottle up emotions and feelings; I bury thoughts and ideas; I build up walls around the parts of me that frighten me and keep them isolated and hidden. I lie to myself - I hide from myself - I bite my tongue and keep up … [Read more...]
Parenting, Looking Back & What I Would Have Done Differently
People often ask me what I would have done differently as a parent if I could go back and start over. I can quickly generate a very long list, but of course there is no way to actually know what might or might not have made a difference in preventing or at least reducing their burden of depression and anxiety. As I now witness several of my nieces and nephews entering middle or … [Read more...]
Self-Care is Super-Cool: How to Reduce Anxiety and Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is important in all facets of life, but it is especially vital when dealing with a mental illness. There are so many different ways to achieve self-care, so it’s never too hard to find the perfect fit for you! What is self-care? Self-care is any activity or practice that can ease your mind, clear your head, or just make you feel more calm and peaceful. The … [Read more...]
13 Ways to Get a Grip on Your Anxiety
I had debilitating anxiety for years, and because it stuck around for so long, it caused other issues. I have learned a lot on my mental health journey, and I would like to share my knowledge. Here are 12 ideas and strategies that can help reduce anxiety and all that stems from it. Prepping for School Prepare for and anticipate any of your anxiety triggers, whatever they … [Read more...]