You've heard it before but I will say it again - practice makes perfect. This is especially true for social phobia. If we want to eventually reduce our social anxiety, we need to expose ourselves to the very things that make us anxious. We need to take deliberate steps to meet people, try new things, and take risks if we are going to reduce our social anxiety. The good news is, … [Read more...]
Halloween + Social Anxiety Disorder: Poems to Get You Through The Day
Ever tried to explain your social phobia to someone else, but couldn't find the right words? Ever been on the other end, desperately trying to understand how this person you're trying to connect with actually feels? It is a double-edgede sword: one can feel lonely, but at the same time, too trapped to go out and be with others. Halloween is a time that many think of fun and … [Read more...]
AiT Exclusive Interview: Separation Anxiety vs Generalized Anxiety vs Social Phobias, Oh My! With Anxiety Expert Dr. Anne Marie Albano
We are pleased to have author and Director of the Columbia University Clinic for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Dr. Anne Marie Albano, Ph.D., share some great insights with us on the differences between separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, and social phobia! Read on for great insights for how parents can help and what to expect in therapy. She is the author of “You and … [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 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...]
Top Picks for #MentalHealthAwareness Month #MHM2015
If you haven't already heard by now, May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We think mental health month should be EVERY month, but I digress... Here are some of our top choices for organizations who led stellar campaigns this month to draw lots of attention towards understanding mental health disorders and their impact in our … [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...]
I Used To Hate Myself And Now I Don’t
Sometimes we are feeling our best. Sometimes we are feeling our worst. And sometimes we may even start to believe that because we're feeling worthless, we may be worthless. Some of you may even currently be feeling this way. We were so inspired when we came across Jess Mary Aloe. Jess was a young woman who hated herself and could not see the beauty that was always there. … [Read more...]
How To Stop Social Anxiety At School
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...]
WHY COMPLICATE LIFE? A Simple Printout for Your Pocket:
For those of us with social anxiety, complicating life something we tend to do more often than we need to (yes, sorry, complicating things is what's actually happening). But, use this simple card to keep things simple. Facing our fears is the only way to get over them- consider doing at least half of these items on this list for the next two weeks. You'll be glad you did: … [Read more...]
ADHD Symptoms in Teens – Esta Rapoport Part II : How Can Parents Recognize Social Skills Issues and/or ADHD Symptoms??
ADHD Symptoms in Teens With Social Skills Issues: Dr. Esta Rapaport shares Part II of our interview, what can parents do to recognize ADHD and/or social skills issues with their children. This is Part II of a two-part interview with Dr. Rapaport- Read Part I for info on what teens can do for teen social skills! For parents, how should they recognize when their child is … [Read more...]
ANXIETY Definition
(n) -- 1. The feeling where you stay up at night, stare at your ceiling, ask yourself an infinite number of questions, then sit there and debate on whether or not you actually want to know the answer. (Click to Tweet this) 2. The feeling where you wonder who truly cares about you and who is just using you; who is there for you and who is so desperately waiting for you to fail. … [Read more...]
10 Steps to Self Esteem
How To Sit With Someone New At Lunch
Whether you feel tension trying to fit in with the cool clique, in a fight with your current group of friends, or just want to spice things up: it can be great to sit with a new group of people at lunch. Why, you ask? Who doesn't like to make a few new friends, instantly? Even if he isn't on XYZ varsity sports team or she's not wearing XYZ brand jeans, you never know what … [Read more...]
Photos Reveal What It’s Like to Have Anxiety Issues
Photographer John William Keedy's photo series It's Hardly Noticeable demonstrates various aspects of anxiety- he has suffered from an anxiety disorder himself for nearly a decade. Each photo is an intriguing and insightful example of one who has to live with anxiety, as well as underlying pain and struggle that goes along with a life like this. The series serves as an … [Read more...]