View the world without the weight of yesterday a feat most difficult It clouds the vision and dulls the heart We struggle to shrug off the past to clear our vision The weight of the world is burdensome enough without dragging the past with us through life Copyright (C) 2023 Penny Wilson
Being a teen is hard enough. If you add mental health struggles to that, makes life for some unbearable. In this world of social media, peer pressures can be amplified. Anxiety and Depression are the most common issues dealt with.
Depression and Anxiety should not be taken lightly. Teen suicides have increased dramatically since 2019.
What can you do to help?
*Be watchful of behavioral changes in your teen. Are they isolating themselves more? Have they lost interest in things that used to bring them joy? Is your teen sleeping more or have a change in their eating habits?
*Listen without judgement. So often, people will keep the signs of Anxiety and Depression hidden for fear of being judged. The feeling of shame is strong among those that suffer because of the stigma attached.
*Talk to your teen. Be willing to start the conversation. We, as parents, don’t always know what to do, so we hope they will “grow out of it”, or that it’s “just a phase” they are going through. Because your teen is keeping things to themselves, you will often need to make the first move to start the conversation about what they are struggling with.
*Reach out. Seek help in dealing with your teen’s struggles. If you don’t know where to start, often your family doctor can help steer you in the right direction for resources in your area.
*Educate yourself. Being aware of the issues and their symptoms can be a huge help. There are many helpful websites for this. This is a good place to start: https://988lifeline.org/
The Suicide Prevention Hotline Phone # is 988.
You don’t need to be experiencing a crisis to contact a crisis hotline. At most of these hotlines, the volunteers and counselors who answer calls, texts and chat messages are trained to help someone in crisis. But you can also reach out if you’re feeling sad, anxious or stressed and don’t know where to turn.
These hotlines also serve friends, family members and loved ones of someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, domestic violence, abuse, addiction and many other issues.
Even if someone at a crisis hotline cannot help you with your specific needs, they can point you to the right resources that can. No one will ever make you feel bad for trying to get help, and no concern is too trivial or small. If it feels hard for you to manage, it’s worth reaching out.
For more information and other helpful resources and articles, please visit my Mental Health Help Page HERE.
Copyright (C) 2023 Penny Wilson
Thank you! Penny ❤
In November of last year, I did a post about Affordable Mental Health Counseling. You can see that post HERE.
I asked my readers if they had information about Affordable Counseling services to please let me know and I will add it to my Mental Health Help Page.
The nice people at Boca Recovery Center contacted me about their services. They have 4 locations. 2 in Florida, 1 in Indiana and 1 in New Jersey.
When it comes to affordability, they offer a program called the Badgley Scholarship where people can write a letter to Boca and one bed is covered free of charge a month at their facilities. They also have a free 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-516-4357.
If you have more questions, there is a wealth of information on their website HERE.
There is a growing need for Mental Health Services, especially for those with lower incomes. If any of my readers has information about these types of services and would like for me to add them to my Mental Health Help Page, please contact me, through my Contact Page, and I would be happy to add the information.
Copyright 2023 Penny Wilson All Rights Reserved
Darkness
encompasses the earth
and shrouds
my consciousness
My outlook dismal
in this land
of eternal
darkness
The darkness
lifts
The daylight
returns
I watch the sunrise
and welcome the warmth
I welcome
the light
Copyright (C) 2023 Penny Wilson All Rights Reserved
*This is a quote that my BFF gave to me years ago. I’ve always treasured it and I keep it on my fridge with a magnet. Once in a while I will remember to stop and read it. Every time I do this, it stops me in my tracks. A wonderful and beautiful sentiment. I want to share this beautiful wish with you. May your life always be as blessed.
These Are My Wishes For You–
“May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand.
May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them.
May you find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.
May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on other’s judgement of your accomplishments.
May you always feel loved.”
-Sandra Sturtz
Image credit; Mohamed Nohassi @ UnsplashI stand on the edge of today, soaking in the wonder and the
possibilities. Today I can start anew, recreate me. I can turn my
back on the darkness of yesterday, the seeds of doubt and the chaos of
the world.
The potential, the promise, that this day holds, leaves me giddy with hope
and joy. I step forward, relishing the rush of this beginning, this
creation of my future.
Copyright (C) 2022 Penny Wilson
*This is in response to Sadje's WDYS prompt. If you'd like to join in on
the fun, you can find out all about it HERE.
Today, God,
I will listen
for your words.
I will look for you
in my actions.
I will treat others
with kindness.
I will look to you
for strength.
Help me look to you
in all things
tomorrow, God.
Copyright (C) 2022 Penny Wilson All Rights Reserved
Penny Wilson Writes 