In today’s world, anxiety among teenagers is a pressing issue, with studies revealing that around 25% of teens aged 13 to 18 grapple with an anxiety disorder. A recent Humans of New York post, which went viral with over 11,000 shares in just one day, dives into this often overlooked topic. The National Institute of Mental Health highlights that while anxiety disorders are treatable, a staggering 80% of affected adolescents do not receive the necessary help, according to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit aimed at supporting children facing mental health challenges.
In the HONY post, a high school student recounts her journey, stating, “I was the top student and put immense pressure on myself. But after falling ill in 10th grade, panic attacks started creeping in.” She vividly describes how one day, when handed her grade report, she felt her heart racing and struggled to breathe. “I passed out and woke up in the nurse’s office,” she shared. Relatable? Absolutely. I remember feeling dizzy in my own graphics class back in 10th grade. After a few fainting spells, my doctor suggested yoga and provided me with an inhaler instead of a paper bag for the panic attacks. Over time, I’ve discovered several coping strategies, with yoga and expressing my experiences through writing being among the most effective.
The Colombian student featured in the post explains how her transition to college exacerbated her anxiety. “I realized I couldn’t be the best student here no matter how hard I tried,” she lamented, leading to a cancellation of her first semester due to escalating panic attacks. Sometimes, the best remedy is simply acknowledging our struggles, as she eventually did. “I used to hide my anxiety—logging off social media and avoiding calls—thinking that if no one knew, it didn’t exist. But talking about it has shown me that others share similar experiences,” she noted.
The statistics are sobering: each year, 4,600 adolescents take their own lives, and 157,000 are hospitalized for self-harm. It’s crucial to provide support for teens dealing with anxiety, depression, and related issues. Relief can come in many forms, such as therapy, medication, meditation, and even creative outlets. The HONY student shares how art became a therapeutic tool for her, saying, “My teacher encouraged me to channel my anxiety into my creations instead of letting it hinder me.”
So, whether through yoga, art, or simply opening up to friends, tackling anxiety is vital. For anyone looking into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on treating infertility, and if you’re interested in more tips for self insemination, visit Make a Mom.
In a world where mental health is often swept under the rug, let’s keep the conversation going and support one another.