Mental health issues are facing teens all across Colorado. They are real and started even before the pandemic. You may find you are having a hard time dealing with current or past trauma and feel sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and fear. To help in this time of need, the State of Colorado launched iMatter to provide teens access to at least three free therapy sessions.
Scroll through this presentation to learn more about Anxiety in teens and then click on the website link above to head right to the site.
Anxiety
anx·i·e·ty
A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Source: Oxford Languages
"It is important to talk to someone about these feelings of anxiety so that you can learn how to cope with it. So that you can learn strategies on how to manage your anxiety and what to do if you have a panic attack. Like deep breathing, grounding, and self-regulation skills."Dawn Cominsky, EHS Counselor
Signs and symptoms of anxiety in teens
Symptoms of anxiety in teenagers
Recurring fears and worries about routine parts of everyday life.
Irritability.
Trouble concentrating.
Extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism.
Withdrawal from social activity.
Avoidance of difficult or new situations.
Chronic complaints about stomachaches or headaches.
Source: https://childmind.org/article/signs-of-anxiety-in-teenagers/
5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety
Become a relaxation expert. We all think we know how to relax.
Get enough sleep, nourishment, and exercise. Want your mind and body to feel peaceful and strong enough to handle life's ups and downs?
Connect with others.
Connect with nature.
Pay attention to the good things.
Source: https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/anxiety-tips.html
Governor Jared Polis signed the bipartisan legislation, which dedicated $9 million to the program as part of the Polis-Primavera administration’s Colorado Comeback roadmap. The program is funded until June 30, 2022.