It all began when I was about 8 years old. I had always been a bit of an anxious child, but it had never been a serious issue. However, it seemed like one day I was suddenly slapped across the face with unbearable anxiety. My childhood up to that point had been pretty average: I had supportive and loving parents, friends and had managed to stay out of trouble for the most part. … [Read more...]
Should I See A Therapist?
Some of you reading this have gone to therapy and have seen the benefits it can provide. Others reading this might be dealing with a mental health issue but haven’t tried going to therapy and this post is for you. I've been there I get it because I have been in your place. There is a stigma of going to a therapist and having a mental health issue. Another reason it took me … [Read more...]
I Am A Strong Woman
I am a strong woman. I could argue that this is the hardest story I have ever written. It is a personal story involving self-discovery, confusion, anger, ignorance, laughter, and last but certainly not least authenticity. I say “authenticity” because I want to be real with you, my reader, and do what I can to paint my story in a way that is helpful. Anxiety took form in … [Read more...]
Struggle with Trichotillomania or Dermatillomania? Exclusive AIT Interview with HabitAware Co-Founder Aneela Kumar!
If you deal with challenging body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) or disorders like Trichotillomania or Dermatillomania, there is an innovative new tool to help you! We’re pleased to share the story of HabitAware by inviting its Co-Founder Aneela Kumar. Join us to hear her story, learn more about Trichotillomania or Dermatillomania and ways to manage it with their new … [Read more...]
5 Ways To Survive Anxiety on Your Own Until You Are Able To Seek Therapy
So, you discovered you have anxiety, what is the next step? The usual way of treating anxiety is going to see a therapist. Sometimes however, seeing a therapist takes time, especially when you are struggling with financial or travel obstacles. The good news are that there are five important steps to get you through it anxiety temporarily, until you seek a therapist. Take a … [Read more...]
How To Be Successful In Therapy With Your Teen: 9 Tips From Someone Who Has Been There
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would write a piece on how to succeed in therapy with your teenager. Frankly, as a teenager, I never thought I would succeed at anything. Learn to manage my mood disorder? Not a chance. Develop a loving relationship with my parents? Ha! Please. Step back into my time machine with me for a minute. ‘Teenage me’ was a confused, … [Read more...]
AiT joins Dr. Shari Manning, an Expert in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Teens
Anxiety In Teens joins Dr. Shari Manning, an expert in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and founder of Treatment Implementation Collaborative. Here, she shares more about exactly what DBT is and how dialectic behavioral therapy for teens could be helpful. AIT: What exactly is DBT? How is it different from other therapies such as CBT? What is the goal? SM: DBT … [Read more...]
How To Cope with Anxiety Through the ESPN
An image of a football game has probably crossed your mind already just by reading the title (Go Patriots!), but contrary to where your mind has probably taken you; the ESPN I am referring to here is not the famous sports channel. Instead, it is the 4 way step to self care during anxiety; Exercise, Sleep, Plan and Nutrition. Sleep is the first point to be addressed … [Read more...]
How to Overcome Anxiety: Stories of Hope and Help
We all have a story. And yours is a special, important one that matters. Below are the courageous stories from our readers which show, from their experiences, how to overcome anxiety and depression. The submissions are from teens, college students, parents, family members and more. They are completely unedited. To submit your own story, Just Fill It Out Here Right … [Read more...]
Even More Reasons to Get Off the Couch This Summer: Excessive Sitting Linked to Anxiety
It’s sunny, it’s bright, it’s warm out- these are all great reason to turn off the Game of Thrones and go play outside. But why else should you get off your couch? Excessive sitting may actually increase your anxiety: A recent study conducted by Deakin University's Center for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research in Australia found that sedentary activity could lead to … [Read more...]
EMDR Therapy: My Road to Healing
My story may sound familiar. From the outside, I looked like I had everything going for me. I had friends and teachers that looked up to me, I dominated the pitcher’s mound as a Fast Pitch starting pitcher. I earned straight A’s with barely a hint of homework or effort. I was voted 8th grade Student of the Year. I had a great home life. I was told repeatedly that I was … [Read more...]
Surviving SAD in a Frozen Tundra
I always thought I was just depressed, but last summer, my depression went away. I was so thrilled and excited that I had magically gotten better. False alarm, once October hit, I was depressed again. I had no idea what was going on, so I talked to my doctor, and he diagnosed me with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Being in Minnesota, winter goes from end of October to April. It … [Read more...]
Mention It To Morgs: Anxiety Attacks & Self Harm
Hi, everyone! Anxiety in Teens is starting a new section, every Monday, called Mention it to Morgs. Mention it to Morgs will be a question and answer section, where I will post the questions that I receive via email each week and answer them to my best ability! In case you are wondering who you’re writing these questions to, my name is Morgan (but everyone calls me Morgs), and … [Read more...]
What is Mindfulness? With Anxiety Coach Katie Goode, LMFT
This word Mindfulness, we hear it a lot. But what exactly is it all about, and more importantly, how can it help YOU with anxiety, eating disorders, and so much more? Learn all about the power of mindfulness as well as effective exercises you can do right now with Katie Goode! 1) What is Mindfulness? Most of us get distracted, zone out, or spend most of our time running … [Read more...]
Social Skills and ADHD in Children – Expert Esta Rappaport Part I: What’s A Teen To Do?
Anxiety In Teens is honored to feature Dr. Esta Rapaport, author of ADHD and Social Skills: A Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers and Parents, to share her insights on what to do when a teenager is struggling with social skills. This is Part I of a two-part interview with Dr. Rapaport- Check out the great advice plus the opportunity to get a lot more of this info in her book or go … [Read more...]