Unaddressed anxiety has a different impact on young minds - that's why it's important to confront our own fears in a mindful way while providing resources for our teens.
School's out for the summer. While students are taking a break, it's still a time of transition: Whether middle school students are gearing up for high school, or high school seniors are preparing to enter into the adult world, each transition carries an element of uncertainty. Although changes like these can mark exciting times, they are often accompanied by feelings of apprehension and anxiety.
When it comes to teens, the fears are wide ranging. Some fear failure, others fear the future, and many fret over what might happen due to past actions. Teens have the difficult task of simultaneously navigating the social scene while still figuring out who they are and what they want on a personal level. This imbalance leads to an array of common, very age-appropriate, anxieties. How can I go to that party if everyone is judging me? What if no one asks me to the dance? It's not cool to like math. For some teens these fears become debilitating and prevent them from engaging with others. According to Martin Covington, Senior Research Psychologist at the Institute for Personality and Social Psychology at UC-Berkeley, a fear of failure is directly linked to one's self-worth, or the belief that you are valuable as a person.
5 Ways to Help Teens Work with Fear
1. Name it to tame it!
2. Discuss how fear works.
3. Take 5 mindful breaths.
4. Meet fear with acceptance.
5. Reinforce their goodness.
To read more of Jens Johnsson's article, please click here.
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