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.
Our Best Ideas On:
Relationships, Connecting, & Family Dynamics
Sign up for "Rooted" our Free Newsletter.
Our best advice to help you nourish deep connections in your family right to your inbox!
4 Characteristics of Trauma You Need to Know
Many of my clients say these types of phrases: “It’s not that bad. I mean there are lots of people out there who have had it worse than me.” “It was my fault that it happened.” “It could have been so much worse. It didn’t go that far.” “Maybe I was okay with it. I...
How Couples Therapy Helps You Grow
Being in a relationship with a significant other can be taxing work. They can snore a certain way that keeps you up all night, or worse, you may feel like they never truly hear you and fights become grueling. Regardless of what has spiked your interest in working on...
3 Ways Social Media is Affecting Your Mental Health During COVID-19
Social distancing requirements and quarantining protocols have many people spending more time alone than ever before. The desire to overcome that loneliness may have you turning to social media for emotional connection. While logging on to chat with friends can be a...
Cedar Tree's Mission:
There are a lot of broken families who struggle to do life well together.
That’s why we help families create an environment where deeper connection & healing can happen.