Blog
There’s an intense debate swirling around us as to the state of teenage-dom in the today’s world. Is bullying an old thing that’s getting new attention? Or is it quantitatively or qualitatively worse? Are kids less resilient than ever before, or are the pressures just that much greater? Are they meaner to one another? Or is cruelty just more visible than it was before?
As Spring unfolds around us we start to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell the incredible changes of the season. Not only are our senses immersed in these alternately subtle and intense transformations, our internal processes respond as well. Our sleep cycles may be altered, our moods may change, and our perspectives may be renewed. Along with these sublime shifts, most of us experience some kind of Spring Fever. Whether it’s the sudden urge to clean and organize a physical space like our home, or a sense of mental restlessness that compels us to move in other parts of our lives, the longer days and sweeter nights are often a source of unexpected energy.
Teens and anxiety. The two seem to go hand in hand. If you are a parent looking to help your teen through this tough and often turbulent time, then you are not alone. Anxiety in children and teens is on the rise and you will want to know what you can do to make this time easier for them. To make a difference, here are some options that will help your teen not only feel better but receive the right support from you.
Anxiety attacks are unpleasant, unsettling, and an event most of us will likely experience to some degree at one point or another. While we all have different tolerances for anxiety, stress, and what triggers these feelings, our human “Fight or Flight” programming is universal. An anxiety attack (also sometimes called a Panic Attack) is essentially the body’s neurological system preparing to respond to a stressor, real or perceived.
So often, one or both members of a couple are shocked to discover their beloved partner has become a stranger. And sometimes it’s even more distressing — we wake up and find that not only does our partner, boyfriend, or girlfriend not just seem to be a stranger . . . but someone with whom we can’t imagine ever having joyfully coexisted. The truth is, this is not an uncommon experience. And more importantly . . . it’s not a sign that your relationship is doomed or over. It doesn’t mean you married the “wrong” person, and it doesn’t mean you’re a failure in romance. It does often mean that our relational skills rarely keep pace with our individual growth processes, and we often don’t notice it’s happened until the lines of communication have ground to a halt.
“What does mental illness look like?” This question was raised in my abnormal psychology class in college, raised but not answered. It wasn’t until I did my mandatory 250 hour internship junior year that I answered this question for myself. Of course I had learned about mental illness during this class, I learned about the symptoms, potential causes, diagnostic criteria and potential treatments; in short, I learned the book version of it. What I hadn’t done was partake in the treatment process with these individuals who were diagnosed as having severe mental illness, that is until I received my internship offer. I was to intern at the STIRS program, which stood for Southern Tier Integrated Recovery Services; it was a day treatment program for adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, where they received group and Individual therapy, medications and meals. This was my chance, to see the real thing and do the real work to help people.
