Since I learned to walk anxiety has followed me like a shadow. The pitter patter of baby feet could be too loud if I was not careful. I felt terrible when that shaky, wet, feeling of fear and pain twisted my family into promises I had yet to break, failures I had yet to make. I lived in fear of disappointing everyone. With support, understanding, and honesty my family has … [Read more...]
My Struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse and Family Alcoholism.
I am a self-proclaimed, and semi-medically diagnosed, martyr and self-destructive masochist with a true medical diagnosis of depression and anxiety. I have spent the longest portion of my life within a destructive mindset and unwarranted ideas of being unworthy or undeserving of goodness. Now I realize that even as I write this these problems still persist. The difference is … [Read more...]
How To Reduce Your Teen’s Anxiety
High school can be a very stressful time for you and your teenager. During my teenage years, I was disrespectful to my parents, distant, and blamed them for things that were going on in my life that they had no control over. Teenage hormones, college applications, relationships and simply stress from high school seem to all make for a high level of stress. My parents always did … [Read more...]
Acceptance
Accepting that you may have or even do have a mental illness is, in my opinion, one of the hardest things about the illness itself. On the outside, I come across as this girl that has everything together. To my friends, I’m this goofy, funny (or at least I think I am), super outgoing, and happy girl. To my parents, I am involved in everything, smart, have a lot of friends, … [Read more...]
AIT Exclusive Interview: How Do I Know If I Have Social Anxiety Disorder And What Do I Do
In light of Mental Health Awareness Week, we are excited for this special AiT Exclusive with the Executive Director of the the Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety, Lori Blumenstein-Bott! Join us as we discuss social anxiety in teens, what to look for as it relates to social anxiety symptoms, and how to help someone with social anxiety in college and beyond! AiT: Is 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...]
Mention It To Morgs: Test Anxiety & Meds
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...]
Popularity Isn’t Everything
Movies and TV often make it seem as if being popular should be a top priority for teenagers. They give the impression that popularity is the answer to everyone's problems when that's not the case at all. Here are just a few reasons why aiming to be popular isn't a good use of your time and energy: Middle school and high school don't last forever. Don't spend time … [Read more...]
Test Your Boundaries with Exposure Therapy
It’s true that everyone has something they are afraid of or might cause them some stress. But for individuals with anxiety disorders or phobias that fear can become paralyzing. Phobias are strong and irrational fears of object ts and situations that realistically pose little to no danger. Some common phobias include fear of snakes, fear of heights, and fear of social … [Read more...]