learn and talk about fears together
“Anxiety is treatable. The first thing we can do is talk about it.”
-- Jenny Howe, anxiety specialist & narrator, Angst Movie
The #1 most common mental health complaint among teens and people of ALL ages in the U.S. is anxiety.
There is hope. The first step is talking about it.
Mental health can be hard to talk about and sometimes it is the hardest to talk about with the people we’re closest to - like family members. Sharing your personal story is a great way to encourage others to seek help and know that they are not alone.
Anxiety (fear that is future-oriented) is normal and natural, occurring in children, teens and adults every day. Your children watch you for clues and, through your example, become better equipped to handle their own stress.
Help your adolescent understand these natural sensations in their bodies without overreacting, and how they can learn to bring things quickly back to normal with simple mental and physical tools. This can help give them control over their feelings of anxiety.
Anxiety becomes problematic when it begins to interfere with everyday life, such as phobias, which are specific, exaggerated fears. Rather than just react, take time to learn, reflect and plan how to talk about this together.
Let teens know that the lines of communication are open and that you are always there for them. Be willing to share your own vulnerable pieces.
It is natural to feel anxious and focus on helping them through their feelings so they can successfully face their anxiety. This will help your clan and you navigate this particular moment side by side. You are empowering them to be able to do this in the future on their own.
Start by acknowledging that talking about mental health and feelings can be hard.
What's Standing In Your Way?
If you can name it, you can claim it. Life is full of roadblocks and naming the hurdles -- personal or relational -- can help you begin to brainstorm what problem you really need to solve or help lessen the size of the barrier. By sharing how you feel, you may realize it's not a real barrier at all, and you can find a way forward.
With every uncomfortable conversation, we can address stigma, break down barriers, and help those closest to us when they need it most.
When we really listen and show our care and confidence, it opens everyone up for deeper learning and conversation.
