Remember that there is nothing weak or shameful about having mental health issues. If you think your teen might have an anxiety disorder, here are a few ways to support them.
Validate their emotions: avoid judgment or telling them they need to “toughen up.”
Ask questions when they are calm: what are the triggers? How does it feel?
Suggest coping strategies when they are calm, such as breathing, exercise, and self-talk..
Avoid “rescuing” them or arranging life to accommodate their anxiety.
Seek professional health if the anxiety is preventing them or you from living “normal” lives or if they are starting to talk about death or dying.
Our deepest thanks to bestselling author Kwame Alexander for donating a copy of his Newbery Award-winning novel-in-verse, The Crossover, to each of the young women in ourWrite Your Story cohort.
Thanks also to Aida Salazar, who gave our each of our Passport Book Club girls a special gift pack to celebrate their first monthly cycles: lavender, tea, a menstrual cup, pad and a signed copy of her award-winning book, The Moon Within!
Write Your Story 2022 Cohort Kick Off
OurWrite Your Story Cinnamongirls are so lucky to have masterclasses in writing with incredibly gifted authors and teachers. Click here to learn more about our cohort and be inspired by their most recent workshops!
Join us for an inspiring and thoughtful conversation (via Zoom) on the latest book by Jennifer De Leon: White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing on Thursday, October 14 at 5:30 pm. Ms. De Leon will be in conversation with poet Norma Liliana Valdez and moderator Sara Campos.
