It’s been a long time since I myself was an anxious teen – over forty years now. Therapy wasn’t a commonly available tool in the seventies, and in my family, the unspoken rule about difficult emotions was not to feel them. So I ate mine. When anxiety roiled up, as it was bound to do in my chaotic and charged family, I soothed myself with globs of peanut butter, handfuls of … [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...]
21st Birthday and Peer Pressure: My Story
My birthday is coming up soon. When I first realized it was so close I was shocked at how fast the past year went by and I started to think about what I was doing this time last year. After thinking for a couple of minutes I remembered exactly what I was doing. I was extremely frustrated and stressed out from trying to plan the perfect 21st birthday. Turning 21 should be … [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...]
Do You Love Yourself?
FBF Post from one of our favorites, Louise L. Hay, Heal Your Life: I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE IS only one thing that heals every problem, and that is: to love yourself. When people start to love themselves more each day, it’s amazing how their lives get better. They feel better. They get the jobs they want. They have the money they need. Their relationships either improve, or … [Read more...]
CREATE YOURSELF
Are you sitting in front of your phone or computer right now, moping around? Are you dreading going to school this Monday - to face the students, semi-friends, bullies, parents and teachers? Basically- Are you living a life that is any less than fantastic? Well.. You're in for a surprise secret today. One that has been there all along, but you may just be finding out about … [Read more...]
Why You Shouldn’t Hate Yourself for Needing a “Mental Health” Day
No matter who you talk to, we all have had them. Days where we just don’t feel ourselves, even when we don’t feel physically sick. For the average person, this is just a sporadic event that doesn’t typically occur more than once or twice a year. And often times these words are tossed around like confetti, as it is normal for one to crave a day just for themselves. But for … [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...]
You Are Strong Enough For Therapy
At a young age, I experienced basic anxiety symptoms, specifically time anxiety and coping with other friends with severe mental illness which began my involvement in psychotherapy. Later, I developed a plane phobia and went to hypnotherapy to alleviate intense symptoms while flying. I resumed psychotherapy after my abusive relationship and through my struggle with … [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...]
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...]
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...]