A recent post from Humans of New York (HONY) has gone viral, garnering over 11,000 shares within a day, shedding light on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: anxiety among teenagers. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates that approximately 25% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 suffer from an anxiety disorder, with 5.9% experiencing severe cases. Despite the availability of treatment, a staggering 80% of teens with diagnosed anxiety disorders do not receive the help they need, as noted by the Child Mind Institute, an organization focused on supporting children facing mental health challenges.
A Personal Account
In the HONY post, a young woman recounts her experiences with anxiety, revealing how it can strike unexpectedly. “I was a top student in high school, pushing myself to excel. But after falling ill in 10th grade, I started to struggle, and that’s when the panic attacks began,” she shared. The debilitating nature of her anxiety became evident during a particularly stressful moment. “When my teacher handed me my grade report, I couldn’t breathe. My heart raced, and I felt completely detached. I couldn’t hear anyone around me,” she recalled. After fainting and waking up in the infirmary, panic attacks became a daily occurrence.
This resonates with many people, including myself. I remember feeling dizzy during class and eventually turned to yoga and breathing exercises, which helped manage my anxiety. For the young woman from Bogotá, Colombia featured in the HONY post, her college experience initially exacerbated her anxiety. “I started college last year, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t be the top student anymore. Everyone seemed so gifted. My panic attacks intensified, forcing me to withdraw from my first semester,” she explained. Recognizing the need for help, she decided to confront her anxiety instead of hiding it. “I used to disconnect from social media and ignore calls, thinking that if no one knew, it would disappear. But discussing my struggles has shown me that I’m not alone. So, I’m learning to express my feelings more openly.”
The Importance of Support
Tragically, the Child Mind Institute reports that around 4,600 adolescents take their own lives each year, with another 157,000 hospitalized due to self-harm. It’s imperative to extend support to teens grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Therapeutic options like counseling, medication, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga can all provide relief.
Finding Healing Through Art
Art has also proven to be a therapeutic outlet for the HONY student, who shared, “A wonderful teacher once told me, ‘Instead of letting anxiety hinder your creativity, let it fuel your art.’” By transforming her anxiety into motivation, she has been able to embrace her struggles and work toward healing.
Further Resources
For more insights on navigating mental health and emotional well-being, be sure to check out our other blog posts, including this one on home insemination, which emphasizes the importance of support systems. Additionally, Cryobaby offers valuable resources on home insemination techniques. For those seeking further information on pregnancy and insemination, the NHS provides excellent resources.
Conclusion
In summary, the conversation around anxiety, particularly among teens, is vital. By sharing experiences and seeking help, individuals can find solace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles. We must prioritize mental health, encourage open dialogue, and promote coping strategies to support the younger generation.