Great Youth Wellbeing: What can I do when I am experiencing anxiety?

Anxiety

Anxiety is the emotion we experience when we are concerned about the future. We feel that we have no control over the situation. The teenage years are often filled with anxiety because of all the changes young people undergo during this time.

When experiencing anxiety, take time to become mindful of what you think and feel about the situation. BREATHE! Start questioning your beliefs about the situation. Are your beliefs realistic, or are they exaggerated? You then can focus on the things that you can control. Remember, you are always in control of how you respond to a situation.

Great Youth Wellbeing: I am feeling pressured by my friends to have sex. What should I do?

A big part of the teenage years is the need to fit in and be independent. The challenge is that these things can prevent you from considering the long-term consequences of your decisions. They also prevent you from focusing on what is right for you.

Rather than allowing peer pressure to get to you, you want to focus on having compassion for yourself. What do you feel is right for you? Also, consider the potential consequences of your decision. Those young people who are the happiest and most resilient are the ones who think for themselves instead of mirroring the unhelpful behaviours of their peers just to fit in.

Think ... Mind Emotional Nurturing!

Great Youth Wellbeing: Concerned about your future?

The future is uncertain for everyone. When you are a teenager, this is especially true. One common quality of adolescence is self-doubt. Like any emotion, it is important to accept your feelings of self-doubt. Do not try to dismiss the feeling. Instead, get curious.

As you are ending the year 2022 and approaching the new year 2023, perhaps you could start;

• Thinking about what you enjoy doing and what you are good at. These things are your strengths and talents.

• Next, start exploring careers that utilize these things.

• Also, consider the type of activity or business you could start where you are doing what you love.

Making a bunch of new year's resolutions and abandoning them would only create more worries and a lack of trust in yourself. Which is a well-being issue. But as you start planning your life path, your feelings of concern will be replaced with excitement creating the right state of mind to take massive action.

There's nothing to be anxious about. Say goodbye to 2022, and openly welcome and embrace the New Year of 2023!

You ARE the future.

Happy Holidays from Mind Emotional Nurturing!