In a world where mental health issues often go unnoticed, a powerful post from Humans of New York (HONY) has garnered over 11,000 shares on Facebook in less than a day. This post shines a light on a critical concern affecting many teenagers: anxiety.
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health reveals that 25% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 grapple with anxiety disorders, with 5.9% experiencing severe forms. Alarmingly, 80% of these young individuals do not receive the treatment they need, according to the Child Mind Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting children facing mental health challenges.
The Student’s Story
The poignant story shared by a student highlights how anxiety can manifest unexpectedly. “I excelled academically and held myself to high standards,” she recounted. “But when I fell ill in 10th grade and began to struggle, my panic attacks started.”
Describing her experiences, she stated, “When my teacher handed me my grade report, I felt as if I couldn’t breathe. My heart raced, and I felt disconnected from everything around me. I passed out and woke up in the infirmary. After that, the panic attacks became a daily occurrence.”
Her account resonates with many, including me. I also faced similar challenges in my 10th-grade graphics class, where feelings of dizziness led to fainting spells. My doctor recommended yoga and provided me an inhaler for those overwhelming moments. Over the years, I’ve explored various ways to manage my anxiety, with yoga and writing about my experiences proving invaluable.
Transition to College
The HONY student, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, described her difficult transition to college. “Starting college was challenging. I couldn’t keep up with the talented peers around me, and my panic attacks worsened, forcing me to withdraw from my first semester.” Recognizing the need for help is essential, and she bravely decided to confront her struggles. “I used to hide my anxiety, logging off social media and ignoring calls. I thought if I kept it a secret, it wouldn’t exist. But talking about it has shown me that others share similar experiences.”
The Child Mind Institute reports that each year, approximately 4,600 adolescents take their own lives, while 157,000 are hospitalized for self-inflicted injuries. Supporting teens dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues is vital for their survival. Solutions can include therapy, medication, relaxation techniques, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga.
The Role of Art
Art has become a therapeutic outlet for the HONY student. “My teacher once said, ‘Instead of letting anxiety hinder your creativity, let it inspire your art.’”
This powerful narrative emphasizes the importance of discussing anxiety and seeking help. For those navigating their fertility journey, you might find insights in our post about artificial insemination kits. Additionally, resources like Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit can be incredibly helpful. For comprehensive information on family-building options, check out Resolve’s informative guide.
Conclusion
In summary, mental health matters. Conversations about anxiety can foster understanding and connection. It’s crucial for teens to know they’re not alone and that help is available.
Keyphrase: Importance of discussing anxiety
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