Let’s Get Real about Youth Suicide
Homework. The latest TikTok trend. Do my friends like me? These are just a few of the thoughts we expect to occupy most young people’s minds today. However, according to the CDC about 20% of high school students are having thoughts about suicide and about 9% reported an actual attempt.
What If I Don't Want To Move On?
Let’s just take a minute to stop and figure out what our priorities are. This doesn’t need to be a job. It can be an enjoyable experience. Figure out what you enjoy and how your ideal future looks and determine what is truly attainable.
The Practice of Gratitude
Ahhh, the wonderful time of year where everyone goes around the table and talks about what they are thankful for. Personally, I love winter holidays but, the idea of expressing what we are thankful for is something I strive for daily. Yep. You read that right. Every single day.
Social Support & Community: Chosen Family
Your chosen family are the ones you put as your emergency contact when you fill out paperwork because you know your mom would flip. It’s the sister you always wanted, the brother who loves you as you are, or simply a close friend.
Change, Part 3 - Making a Change
Let the work begin! Well, that may sound a little over ambitious. Start with the small things to get going. It’s a difficult process and this is supposed to make you feel better, not overwhelmed. Try different things and see how that feels.
Change, Part 2 - Preparing for a Change
Change can be intimidating. Change is difficult. Luckily, we can prepare for this change. Nobody can be expected to change without a little preparation. There’s a high chance this change will be difficult if this stress and anxiety has been part of your life for a while. Take a deep breath and remember that this is for you.
Change, Part 1 - Recognizing the Need for Making a Change
Suppose you are a receptionist. You get up every morning and prepare to go to a job where you must greet visitors and answer phones in a friendly nature. This is obviously not true for all, but play along with me. Every night before work there is a brief period of time that should be spent relaxing and preparing for the morning.
Anxiety is the Devil
Anxiety sucks. Period.
People describe it as being stuck inside their own personal hell. And there's a lot of truth to that. It's an endless stream of thoughts about worst-case scenarios, what-ifs, past events where you may have said that one thing wrong, and 10 years in the future when xyz might happen. It's incessant.
And exhausting.