Supporting Our Valued Adolescents: A place to learn, share your strength, be positive, and grow.
Mental health and wellbeing are universally important, but African-American girls can face unique circumstances that result in increased vulnerability to certain mental health difficulties. With this in mind, Lauren Carson created a national non-profit organization in 2008 called Black Girls Smile to promote positive mental health and educational opportunities for these girls and those who care for them.
When you are asked to carve out part of your day to talk to your therapist, it can make therapy appear like a time-consuming endeavor. However, the benefits of therapy do not occur immediately. So, when considering if treatment is a waste of time, it is important to think about its long-term effects.
Do you have reservations about online therapy? Do you feel like your therapist won’t really “get” what you’re trying to say if you’re not physically in the room with them?
I was diagnosed with clinical depression and generalized anxiety disorder a couple years ago and therapy has really helped me through it. For a frame of reference, I had severe agoraphobia which means I would get panic attacks anytime I would have to go any further than five minutes away from my house.
I’ve seen a therapist on and off for three years. As a college student, my campus provides free counseling for students by future therapists getting their hours. Since my freshman year (3 years ago) I have seen 4 different counselors.
When I was first seeing a therapist and diagnosed with anxiety, it felt like a secret. I didn’t know how to bring up this topic with my friends, it felt like something taboo and embarrassing. I was afraid I would be judged and seen differently if people knew that I went to therapy. When I had to miss class for therapy I didn’t tell people why. I was secretive about it and would hope that my friends wouldn’t ask questions about it.
I have been struggling lately and I am now not afraid to admit it. With school, COVID, family and relationship problems, I have been frustrated and stressed with so many different things. I have been mentally and physically exhausted. I finally decided, I need to do something about how I am feeling.
Telehealth isn’t new. With technology advancing and becoming more accessible, telehealth has evolved with it. Having an alternative access to a doctor, therapist, public health professional, or any other kind of medical expert makes a huge difference.
Going into your freshman year of college is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I felt so alone and so helpless at times. Even at times where I was surrounded by my friends, I felt alone.
At first, “self-care” sounds pretty straightforward. You’re taking care of yourself and doing things that make you feel good about yourself.
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