Perhaps one of the most common feelings that we experience every day is being anxious. In a world that constantly demands productivity regardless of any other current pressing stresses, it is easy to succumb to anxiety. Some of us however, may easily reject this hypothesis and claim that they don’t experience anxiety, but anxiety doesn’t have to exemplify the commonly … [Read more...]
On The Flip Side: A Peek Into Manic Depression
People call the weather “bipolar” when the morning storms give way to afternoon sunshine and light breezes. I’ve also heard people try to excuse their irritability by saying, “Oh, I’m so bipolar.” This illustrates how the general population sees the term “bipolar” as a colloquial term for something that alternates between two extremes. Going off of this observation, then, it … [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...]
Does Your Teen Have A Mental Health Disorder? Here’s How You Can Help.
Sometimes, the problems we see others facing are so huge and complicated that we think there is no way to help. The truth is, there is always some way to help, especially a loved one. When it comes to mental illness, parents are a huge factor of affecting it. You either make it better or you make it worse, there is no in between. The good news is, you can follow the steps in … [Read more...]
How To Confront Your Demons: Acknowledge The Darkness & Find The Light
Coming to terms with your past isn't always easy, especially when it's still haunting you. However, you may find some comfort knowing that you're not alone in that everyone has their demons. Whether you're 16 or 65, all the years of life leading up to the present are what made you who you are today. Yet some of us stand in the quicksand of a haunted past, feeling like every … [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...]
Anxiety From Election Results – How To Cope On Inauguration Day
January 21st. It is an important day in United States history, and one that is causing a lot of stress and anxiety for Americans. If you are particularly nervous about your future, review some of these tips to reduce anxiety on Inauguration Day: Find some space to breath alone. In the midst of all of the madness on social media, take some time to disconnect and breathe. I … [Read more...]
Social Media, Others’ Perceptions of Mental Illness, and Coming Clean
I'll be the first to admit it. My Instagram persona is not me. This persona is a bad ass chick who is always looking tough, dressed awesome, and at fabulous places. You'll never catch her in a vulnerable state of crippling anxiety or depression. She is me, minus all the parts of me that I don't like. I use Instagram to create my "brand," and that is a brand/image that hides … [Read more...]
When Band Aids Don’t Work
I grew up in a small town. There are no streetlights on my roads, no sidewalks, and there’s always that offhand chance that you would need to swerve around a lost cow on your way home. The houses are far enough apart to respect neighborhood privacy, and everyone has known each other since the diaper age. It’s the type of town where everyone knows, but nobody talks. That’s … [Read more...]
Rejecting the Need for Control in Anxiety
Perhaps one of the most common feelings that we experience every day is being anxious. In a world that constantly demands productivity regardless of any other current pressing stresses, it is easy to succumb to anxiety. Some of us however, may easily reject this hypothesis and claim that they don’t experience anxiety, but anxiety doesn’t have to exemplify the commonly … [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...]
Thoughts on College and Depression
It wasn't until recently did I come to terms with anxiety and negative feelings I experience in my life. I am currently 19 years old, in my second year of university, have a stable relationship with my boyfriend of almost 3 years, have parents who love and support me in all my endeavors, and yet I live in a melancholic state of self reflection and over-analyzing. If you … [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...]
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...]