Everybody has troubles from time to time, but some problems are more serious than others. Do any of the following statements sound like you?
- I used to be a good student, but now I'm so anxious I can't concentrate.
- My parents criticize the way I look and every single thing I do.
- I think I might be depressed — sometimes I don't care about anything.
- I don't have many friends, and I just don't fit in at school.
- I am losing touch with my parents — sometimes they treat me like a child.
What You're Going Through
Adolescence is an exciting and challenging time. As a teen, you are experiencing physical, intellectual and emotional growth and change in your relationships with family, friends and society. With this growth and change, you may experience anxiety, frustration and/or pain when the rest of the world does not conform to your expectations or when you feel you do not fit in or measure up to the expectations of others. You may just need someone to talk to about your worries and questions about your feelings.
You are developing your own opinions and identity shaped by your own experience. Your opinions may also be informed by your friends, or lack of friends, and popular culture. Your assertion of independence may contribute to tension or create conflict when your family members (or teachers) do not share your perspective. Your parents may worry about your choice of friends and changes in your appearance and attitude, and they may fear that they have lost their power to influence your behavior. You may also have close relationships with friends and family but just not be able to share some important problems.
At times, you may feel that you are under a great deal of pressure. There may be pressure in school to excel at academics and/or athletics, pressure at home to assume more responsibility, pressure from friends to try new things (some of which may be dangerous) or to conform to a certain image and pressure from within to be "cool." Then, there is "dating" and all the issues and pressures that come with dating as well! Sometimes, there's no pressure, but you experience a sense of confusion about what you're doing, where you're going and what's up.
Help with Worries
With so much going on, it is easy at times to feel frustrated and alone with your feelings. It's not weird to ask for help, especially if your efforts are not working for you. I'm available to meet with you and/or your parents* to discuss your concerns confidentially. Together, we can figure out ways to understand what's happening and initiate some changes which can help you feel better and more in sync with who you are and what you need. Bottom line, I want to help you discover your dreams and help you fulfill them.
* My practice in Sequim is currently taking appointments from Washington Peninsula residents.