It feels like it’s part of you. It’s in your bones. Anxiety has become not just a symptom, but something that dictates your life.
Losing sleep, change in appetite, and physical symptoms all play a part in living with anxiety. Worries start to mount up until you begin to avoid certain activities, people, and places. It affects your confidence, self-worth, and ability to fully be who you are.
You feel like life shouldn’t be this stressful. I should be able to handle this.
Anxiety is a very real thing. In my experience working with teenagers with anxiety, it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
So how do you manage it?
I’ve found that “Stop-Name it-Breathe” can be a short, helpful technique when you find yourself struggling with anxiety.
Stop– When you begin to feel anxious symptoms, stop what you’re doing. Anxiety is typically future-oriented, and it’s important to bring yourself into the present.
Name it– Name what is happening. Instead of running from the feeling, bodily sensations, and fear, name it. As we lean into our anxiety, we give it less power over us. This can also be a good time to use the “Worry Tree” as an intervention for anxious thoughts.
Breathe- Spend a moment being mindful of your breathing. Start to breathe in for four seconds through your nose, hold your breath for two seconds, and breathe out your mouth for four seconds.
Don’t let anxiety rob you of who you can be. If you find yourself struggling, I would love to help.
Hannah Gambriel
Adolescent | MA, LPC
I help adolescent girls and their families, who are hurting, angry, and struggling to find their way through life’s challenges, to create real and lasting change.
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