I am absolutely delighted to share that Vuelio has listed Be Ur Own Light as a Top 10 UK Mental health blog! For the 6th year running! I am so grateful as we work hard year-round on the blog. Thank you to all our amazing collaborators too. These lists recognise influential blogs in their sectors.
While we might think that everyone is a buttoned-down professional, everyone has their own relationship to their work. But what about returning to work after a long time away? Maybe you’ve been on maternity leave, have suffered an illness, been struggling with mental health, or have been off work for a variety of reasons.
However, it’s true that settling back into the regular working cycle is often a form of mental health and self-care in itself. This is because work is hard, as is balancing a job around personal priorities. As such, it’s important to get out there, to make the right preparations and to believe you can do it. The secret is that you really can, even if you had to fight against your previous employer thanks to their lack of labor law compliance tracking.
With that in mind, let’s discuss how to brace yourself for a return to work, even after a long time away.
Plan Ahead For Your Transition
Your employer likely knows that you have a period of unemployment in the past, and may have asked you about it. If you were candid about it and still gained the job, your employer will likely understand. For the first couple of weeks, you might ask to do staggered days or part-time shifts, then slowly move into full-time. It can’t hurt to ask.
Alternatively, you might integrate a full month of regular 9-5 work to onboard, and then consider remote working from that point on. Planning ahead for your transition, making these requests, or asking for any appropriate support measures can be key. For example, perhaps you need to visit your physiotherapist once a week for mobility assistance. Laying this all out on the table is healthy, because you have nothing to be ashamed of, and reasonable provisions must be made for you (as they legally ought to be for anyone who experiences a personal condition or disability).
Refresh Your Skills & Knowledge
Even the most capable professional can feel rusty in their skills after a period away, as work isn’t like riding a bicycle, it takes a little adjustment period to feel your best. As such, you might ask to review certain work materials before you start, such as the company structure, role boundaries and parameters, and specific preparations to make.
In some cases, you may have the tools to play around with before you start. If you’re working in the content production section of a marketing department, you might focus on Premiere Pro revision or editing software understanding once more, checking out the new updates to see what has changed. This way, you arrive at the new place a little sharper and more practiced.
Get Into The Daily Schedule Beforehand
You may have a couple of weeks before you start work again, which is a great practice period for getting used to your new schedule. You might begin waking up early in the morning and going to bed early, to help your body clock adjust to the new normal. You could even take the commute a few times to make sure you relax into it, and don’t have to worry about being late for your first day. If taking the train during rush hour or figuring out the best route to drive, that can give you great peace of mind. If you are struggling with your mental health, definitely reach out for support.
Moreover, you might prepare your lunch the night before just to get into the habit, or purchase your train tickets set to be valid by a certain date. Getting into the swing of things allows you to avoid feeling tired out or a little shocked when you settle back into work. You don’t want to wake up for your first day tired, irritable, and hungry, but energised and ready to get started. If you have work anxiety, its OK speak to a trusted friend, family member or therapist and seek support.
Don’t Try & Reinvent The Wheel
Most people like to give a good impression as they turn up to a new job for the first time, but that doesn’t mean you have to become the employee of the year in the first week. Just take it easy, and follow the onboarding plan. That’s all you have to do to begin with. Sure, you might be involved in new meetings, but you don’t have to lay out a large vision or plan just yet. Sure, you might be an integral part of the team, but you don’t need to take everyone’s work on immediately.
It takes time to adapt to a new workplace, and any manager worth their salt understands that. This is also a period to ask as many questions as possible, even if they seem silly on the surface. After all, if you don’t ask now, when will you? Moreover, if you’re a little rusty, don’t be afraid to admit that and slowly sharpen your skills. You don’t have to put every insecurity out there of course, but don’t feel like you have to be perfect, because that’s the quickest way to make a mistake.
Manage Stress & Anxiety Responsibly
It’s natural for people to feel a little stressed at work, and if you have anxious feelings, a new job is fertile ground for them to surface. But you can manage your anxiety with care. You might use supplements to help you (consult a doctor first), and this could include valerian root which is know to deal with mild stress, or ashwagandha, a herbal blend known to relax. Use what works for you and is approved by your doctor, and if advised against taking it or if they clash with any medications you take, make sure to stay well clear. Seeing a therapist can also be helpful.
Moreover, breathing exercises, good sleep schedules and hygiene, and the willingness to take each day at a time can help you feel more relaxed in no time. The first few weeks can be worrying, but sooner rather than later you may begin to feel at home.
With this advice, you’ll be certain to brace yourself even after a long absence preceding your return to work.
I am delighted to be collaborating with Twinkl on their mental health resources for children in schools.
Twinkl say , ‘We must recognise the need to improve understanding of children’s mental health. A person’s mental health is determined by a complex cocktail of different factors interacting. Some of these factors come from a person’s biology, while others come from external factors. Further complicating things, young children don’t always have a full understanding of why they feel they way they do. They can also be reluctant to talk about it, which only adds to the challenge if you’re a teacher trying to support good mental health care at your school. Ultimately, though, if you have concerns that one of your students is struggling with something related to mental health, you should report your concerns to the appropriate authority.’
Twinkl creates resources for teachers and their students, to provide excellent mental health education. This includes resources such as a morning physical and mental health check in, mental health discussion cards, mindfulness colouring pages, and the emotions iceberg to help children understand their feelings.
(image: Twinkl)
Sometimes children come to school unable to express their emotions or what is going on at home. That’s why its so important for teachers to use these tools to help children at school.
Click here to look at the amazing resources and read this blog by Twinkl.
In the journey of outpatient rehab, recognising and celebrating each small victory plays a pivotal role in both motivation and recovery. These milestones, no matter how small they may seem, serve as important markers of progress, offering encouragement and a sense of achievement to those on the path to recovery. Each step forward, regardless of its size, can significantly impact the overall success of rehabilitation. This philosophy not only fosters a positive environment but also strengthens the resolve of individuals to continue striving for their ultimate goal of full recovery.
The Power of Acknowledgment
Acknowledging and celebrating small victories may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it can have a powerful impact on one’s outlook and determination. In outpatient rehab, where the recovery journey can be long and challenging, even the smallest progress should be praised and recognized. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that each step taken is a valuable and meaningful effort towards healing. It also helps individuals to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past struggles or future worries.
Boosting Motivation
In outpatient rehab, motivation is a key factor in achieving successful outcomes. By celebrating small victories, individuals can maintain their motivation and drive throughout the rehabilitation process. Each accomplishment reinforces their determination and propels them forward towards their ultimate goal. When individuals feel recognized and supported, they are more likely to remain committed to the rehabilitation process and push through any difficult moments.
Building Confidence
As individuals progress through theiroutpatient rehab program, each milestone reached builds confidence in their abilities and strength. These small victories serve as evidence that they are capable of overcoming challenges and making positive changes in their lives. With each success, individuals are encouraged to set higher goals and push themselves further. This confidence boost can have a lasting impact on their recovery journey and beyond.
Celebrating Together
The power of celebrating small victories is not just limited to the individual in outpatient rehab but also extends to their support system. Family members, friends, and healthcare professionals all play an essential role in providing encouragement and recognition for achievements. By coming together to celebrate each milestone, a sense of community and support is fostered, creating a positive and uplifting environment for the individual in rehab.
Celebrating small victories may seem like a simple act, but its impact on outpatient rehab cannot be underestimated. Each milestone reached serves as a stepping stone towards full recovery and should be recognised and celebrated. By acknowledging these small victories, we can create a more positive and empowering experience for individuals in rehabilitation and help them to achieve their goals with confidence and motivation.
Rianne Hunter is a wife, mother of three, and an independent blogger who writes for a broad range of topics and publishers.
Alcohol addiction can affect every area of a person’s emotional health. They may start to feel a sense of shame with their friends and loved ones. It can also affect interpersonal relationships, as alcohol can instigate arguments with loved ones. Here are some important ways that alcohol addiction can affect your emotional health.
How Brain Affects The Brain
If you attend a women’s recovery center, you’ll learn the many ways that alcohol affects the brain. Firstly, alcohol travels to the brain through the bloodstream, where it affects the neurotransmitters (the parts of the brain responsible for sending chemical messages between brain cells). Over time and when alcohol abuse occurs, the balance of these neurotransmitters is affected, which can lead to emotional instability. It can also increase the level of dopamine, causing people to become addicted to these heightened feelings of euphoria. Sometimes, alcohol also numbs emotions as well as heightening them.
How Alcohol Affects Mental Health
When alcohol abuse occurs over a long period of time, then mental health is greatly affected especially if someone has a pre-existing condition. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:
If these symptoms become severe, then treatment from a mental health professional might be required.
As women are also more prone to depression than men, alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of depression they might already be experiencing.
Factors That Determine How Alcohol Affects The Brain
Drinking alcohol to excess will negatively impact your mental health. However, other factors include your overall physical and mental health, the amount of alcohol you regularly drink, how often you consume alcohol, how long you’ve been drinking alcohol,the age you started drinking, and certain background factors like if there is a family history of alcohol abuse present.
The Emotional Impact Alcohol Has On The Body
Since alcohol can damage the emotional centers of the brain, it can lead to severe mood swings and erratic behaviour. It has other effects on the brain as well:
● Anger: women who struggle with alcohol abuse tend to struggle more with anger over time. It can be directed at anyone and anything, leading to the destruction of relationships with loved ones.
● Stress: alcohol abuse tends to be the result of relieving stress; this is compounded by the instead of stress during withdrawal symptoms.
● Anxiety: alcohol can be used to ease anxiety, but this only worsens anxiety over the long run. Women who abuse alcohol tend to have more panic attacks and experience generalized anxiety disorder.
● Depression: women who drink heavily tend to be more depressed than others and the risk of suicide increases.
● PTSD: women who have experienced trauma and use alcohol as a coping mechanism are at risk for developing full symptoms of PTSD. Alcohol can make traumatic memories worse and more intense, increasing their feelings of anxiety and fear.
It can be difficult to overcome these negative emotions on your own, but the good news is that you don’t have to. If you fear that you are addicted to alcohol and that it is making your emotional health worse, speak to a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Few trials in life are as demanding or relentless as those rooted in chronic physical pain or emotional trauma. For the young adult grappling with long-term afflictions, navigating through daily life can feel like traversing a battlefield with no map and an unreliable compass.
Seeking Solace in Shared Stories
When the weight of your struggle seems too heavy to bear, one of the most powerful avenues toward comfort and understanding is through storytelling and shared experiences. Whether you’re dealing with the debilitating effects of chronic illness, the fallout from trauma, or a blend of both, realizing you’re not alone can be profoundly liberating.
Joining Support Groups
Surrounding yourself with peers who understand firsthand the turmoil you face can provide a unique and invaluable support system. Consider reaching out to local or online support groups focused on your specific condition or trauma type. Here, you can share your story, glean insights from others’ journeys, and forge connections that transcend your individual pain. When you open up to a circle of understanding listeners, you’ll find that there is collective strength in solidarity.
Creating Community
Online forums and social media groups can serve as modern-day campfires, where you can find solidarity and support among those with similar struggles. From these virtual communities, real friendships and mentorships can blossom, creating a network that uplifts and sustains, even on the darkest of days.
The Healing Art of Expression
When words fail us, sometimes the canvas, the page, or the stage can amplify our voices. The creative process—whether through visual arts, music, writing, or performance—can be an outlet for the unspoken struggle within us. Engaging in art as a form of therapy not only provides an escape; it can also catalyse healing on a deeper, psychological level. Be careful though!
Exploring Therapy Through Art
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that utilises creative means to express and process emotions, can be particularly powerful for young adults navigating complex internal landscapes. In a safe and guided environment, you can use artistic mediums to explore memories, release pent-up feelings, and discover new perspectives on your pain.
Finding a Creative Community
Being part of a creative community can cultivate a shared language around your pain that transcends traditional dialogue. Whether you join a local writers’ group, painting class, or theater troupe, immersing yourself in art alongside others can provide catharsis, camaraderie, and a fresh lens through which to comprehend and cope with your experiences.
Professional Partners in Your Personal Battle
With a struggle as intricate and unyielding as chronic pain or emotional trauma, it’s often necessary to call upon specialized professionals who can provide the knowledge and guidance you need to manage and, ideally, overcome your challenges.
Therapy and Counselling
The benefits of therapy and counselling for chronic pain and emotional trauma are well-documented. Contacting a skilled therapy center or counselling office can equip you with tools to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of your condition. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, in particular, has shown efficacy in helping individuals reframe their experiences and manage their pain more effectively.
Seeking Medical Specialists
Chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Connecting with pain management specialists, physical therapists, or holistic health practitioners can lead to innovative treatments and strategies for maintaining your well-being. For those contending with trauma, seeking out psychiatrists, psychologists, or trauma-focused therapists can pave the way toward understanding and healing deep psychological wounds.
Navigating Life With a Compassionate Guide
The path to healing and resilience from long-term afflictions is rarely a straight line. Sometimes, having a life coach or mentor—a compassionate and knowledgeable guide—can help you chart a course that aligns with your personal goals and values.
Life Coaches
Life coaches work with clients to identify areas of dissatisfaction, set goals, and make strategic plans to achieve those objectives. While a therapist may look into your past to heal emotional wounds, a life coach can help you focus on the present and future, encouraging you to move forward with intention and purpose, despite your struggles.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentors, too, can be instrumental in guiding young adults through the labyrinth of chronic pain and trauma. Whether personal or professional, a mentor can offer support, share wisdom, and act as a role model for resilience. A mentor’s insight and perspective can prove invaluable as you learn to not just survive, but thrive, despite the weight you carry.
Fortifying Your Internal and External Network
In your darkest moments, it’s crucial to know that there are sources of strength—both internal and external—to which you can turn. These can be practices that you cultivate within, or connections you foster without, that fortify you against the relentlessness of your pain.
The Power of Daily Practices
Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques can serve as anchors in the storm of chronic pain or trauma. These practices help you tune into your body-mind connection, fostering a sense of control and calm that is often elusive. Establishing a consistent routine of these activities can help reduce stress, manage pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Building Resilient Relationships
Cultivating healthy and supportive relationships can significantly bolster your resilience in the face of chronic pain or trauma. Whether it’s family, close friends, romantic partners, or even pets, the unconditional support and love found in strong relationships can act as a wellspring of hope and comfort. Nurturing these connections—through open communication, empathy, and mutual aid—can create a network of resources that sustain you through even the most challenging times.
Finding your way through the intricate labyrinth of chronic pain and emotional trauma as a young adult can be daunting, but it’s not a lonely path. By reaching out to these potent sources of support and understanding, you can begin to unravel the complexities of your experiences and piece together a map that leads to a life defined not by your pain, but by your resilience and triumph.
This article is by Meghan Belnap, freelance writer.
Have you ever noticed that your environment has a direct impact on your mood, productivity, and overall well-being? Creating a space that fosters personal growth and self-improvement is essential in creating a positive mindset and achieving your goals. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to transform your space for your personal development and positive mental health. In this post, we’ll explore some practical tips and tricks to help you create a space that nurtures personal growth and inner transformation.
Create Inspiring Zones
Designate specific areas in your space for different activities that align with your personal growth goals. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a meditation corner, or a home office for pursuing your passion projects, having designated spaces for different activities can help you stay focused and motivated. Personalize these zones with items that inspire you, such as motivational quotes, artwork, or plants that bring a sense of calm and positivity to the space. In addition to personalizing these spaces, incorporating elements of nature can further enhance your inspiring zones.
Natural light, for instance, not only improves mood but also increases productivity and creativity. If possible, position your dedicated spaces near windows or in well-lit areas. Adding indoor plants to these areas can also boost air quality while providing a tranquil and refreshing ambiance. For a more dynamic and versatile space, consider using movable dividers or curtains. These can help in delineating your zones without committing to a permanent layout, allowing you the flexibility to adapt your space as your personal growth journey evolves.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bringing the outdoors in can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Consider adding plants, natural light, and earthy tones to your space to create a soothing and grounding environment. Plants not only improve air quality but also have been shown to reduce stress and improve concentration. Open up your curtains during the day to let in natural light, or invest in a light therapy lamp to mimic the benefits of sunlight on cloudy days. Integrate water elements into your space to foster a tranquil and healing environment conducive to personal growth.
A small desktop fountain or an aquarium can introduce the calming sound of moving water, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances focus and mindfulness. Furthermore, selecting furnishings or decor made from natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo can add texture and warmth to your surroundings, further rooting your space in the calming beauty of nature. These elements, when thoughtfully incorporated, work harmoniously to not only beautify your environment but also to support your mental and emotional well-being, making it a fertile ground for personal development and growth.
(image: free image)
Clear the Clutter
One of the most important steps in transforming your space for personal growth is decluttering. Clutter can create chaos and overwhelm, making it difficult to focus and be productive. Start by going through your belongings and getting rid of anything that no longer serves you or brings you joy. Consider donating items you no longer need or use, and organize the remaining items in a way that is visually appealing and functional. Investing in climate controlled storage can be a great option for storing seasonal items or sentimental belongings that you want to keep but don’t need on a daily basis.
After tackling the physical clutter, addressing digital clutter is equally critical in creating a space conducive to personal growth. Digital clutter, including unorganized files on your computer, unused apps on your phone, and a cluttered email inbox, can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Set aside some time to organize your digital life by deleting unnecessary files, unsubscribing from unwanted emails, and organizing your digital documents into clearly labeled folders. A clean digital workspace can significantly boost your focus and productivity, making it easier for you to concentrate on your personal growth goals.
Cultivate a Mindful Routine
Establishing a mindful routine in your daily life can help you stay grounded and present, even amidst the chaos of daily life. Create a morning and evening ritual that includes activities like meditation, journaling, yoga, or reading that nourish your mind, body, and soul. By dedicating time each day to self-care and reflection, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity that will support your personal growth journey. Your physical environment can play a crucial role in facilitating these routines, so make sure to curate your space with intention and purpose.
Embrace Minimalism
Simplifying your space and your life can have a transformative effect on your mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the principles of minimalism by focusing on quality over quantity, decluttering regularly, and being mindful of your consumption habits. By simplifying your surroundings, you can reduce distractions, increase your focus and productivity, and create a sense of calm and harmony in your space. Additionally, minimalism can cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Transforming your space for personal growth is a powerful way to create a supportive environment that nurtures your goals and aspirations. By decluttering, creating inspiring zones, incorporating natural elements, cultivating a mindful routine, and embracing minimalism, you can foster a sense of peace, balance, and inspiration in your space. Remember that personal growth is a journey, and your environment plays a crucial role in supporting your growth and self-improvement efforts. By taking intentional steps to create a space that aligns with your values and aspirations, you can create a sanctuary that empowers you to be your best self!
Self-medicating to resolve mental health issues can sometimes leave the door open for substance abuse. A lot of information goes into choosing the right psychiatric medicine, and it is not something you should choose without medical input. To avoid this common problem, here are a few things you should know about self-medication.
The Consequences
Mental and physical health are a top priority for dual diagnosis treatment. Depression, mania, anxiety and irritability are only a few underlying mood changes that someone may experience. On their own, these mental health conditions are already hard to deal with. When those same conditions are combined with possible substance use disorders, it creates a co-occurring disorder. As an example, a person that is suffering from anxiety will try to self-medicate with unprescribed depressant drugs. These downers are sedatives by nature, and can quickly turn into an addiction for someone who becomes dependent on how it makes them feel. These should only be prescribed by doctors and taken with care.
The Truth
When you’reaware of the consequences of self-medication, the treatment steps become much clearer as a goal. Without professional experience, you can’t diagnose the original underlying cause of your condition. Not all symptoms are created equally, and there is no way for a patient to factor in how a specific medication will interact. Psychiatric medications should never be combined with alcohol, which includes things like cough medicines. Self-medication is not good for you and your body or mind should never be the experiment to find out what works.
Risky Behaviour
Mental health stigmas are one of the reasons that people are open to the dangers of self-medication. They feel that society has a judgmental attitude towards mental health prescriptions. With self-medication, these same prescriptions and their variants are purchased after going through multiple illegal hoops.
Besides the legal issues that could arise, there is a good chance that you are not treating the correct condition. Getting medication to treat depression is a terrible idea for someone that is suffering from bipolar disorder. And when you’re suffering from anxiety, the risk of overdose rises. There is no reason to risk themental and physical consequences of self-medicating when there are more appropriate avenues to treat your condition. Please seek help from your psychiatrist or get referred to one.
Reaching A Personal Goal
When your health is in danger, think twice about going the risky route of self-medicating. It’s easy to use clouded judgement as an excuse for not getting better. No matter how you start, a healthy mind will always be positively fuelled by making healthy personal decisions. Sometimes, self medication can turn into addiction, which can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Reach for appropriate medical support to help support your recovery.
Today is World Bipolar Day and its a day where we raise awareness globally about living with bipolar disorder and battling social stigma
When I had my first depressive and manic episodes in 2004; I was a teenager and had no idea what was happening to me. I was helped not only by family support (my dad was diagnosed 4 years before me) but also by some amazing psychiatry health professionals (shout out to Dr Mark Berelowitz at the Royal Free and the team at the Priory North London).
Bipolar changed my life as a young person in both good and difficult ways. It made me stronger; more resilient and more empathetic. But it also made me depressed, manic; anxious and fearful. There were times where I was scared of my own brain and didn’t know where bipolar started and Eleanor ended.
20 years later, I take daily medicines and engage in therapy and I go long periods between episodes due to finding the right medications. This is my own experience and some people with bipolar rapid cycle or have more regular episodes.
Remember it’s ok not to be ok but reach for support and never give up. There is a future and a way forward. I will keep talking about bipolar to help others and raise vital awareness and funds for our condition. Please also support charities like Bipolar UK and have a read of my book Bring me to Light.
Today’s teen girls are growing up in a time that’s very different from when their parents and grandparents were young. They’re surrounded by new technology and social media that consistently exposes them to unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying and constant comparison to others.
This is why it’s so important for educators and parents to teach teen girls resilience – the ability to cope with challenges, bounce back from failures, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. This will then boost their mental health.
Challenges Encountered by Teenage Girls During Adolescence
The path to adulthood for adolescent girls is often lined with various challenges that significantly influence their development. While each girl’s experience is unique, there are some common struggles they frequently encounter:
Regular Use of Social Media
Building connections with family and friends is crucial for individuals of all ages. Social media has revolutionised the way we maintain these relationships, particularly over great distances. However, this constant online presence has a downside.
Many teenagers find themselves grappling with the pressure to maintain a certain persona on these platforms. Influenced by the glorified lives of young celebrities and popular influencers, as well as the need to keep pace with peers, this pressure can take a toll on their self-esteem and lead to a skewed perception of themselves.
Expectations From Friends and Family
The role of education in developing an individual’s skillset is undeniable. However, the stress of excelling academically, often influenced by lofty expectations within the family, can create significant strain on teenagers’ mental health. Comparing themselves to their peers, parents, or siblings sets high standards that can be challenging to meet.
If academic pressures aren’t managed well, they can harm a teenager’s self-esteem, particularly when they don’t meet their own expectations. It’s important for teenage girls to realise that their worth and intellect aren’t just measured by their grades or school performance.
Unhealthy Desires to Fit In
Despite the current portrayal of young online influencers as champions of self-expression, the struggle to conform to their ideals can be a significant issue for many teenage girls. Being part of a social circle can offer comfort and a feeling of belonging, which is often an essential aspect of their growth.
However, this pursuit of fitting in can lead girls to sacrifice their own beliefs and values. This may take various forms, such as changing their appearance significantly or adopting harmful eating habits, all in an effort to gain acceptance within a particular social group of peers.
The Importance of Resilience in Overcoming Challenges
Adolescent girls often draw strength from their relationships with friends and family. However, they frequently confront some of their toughest challenges when by themselves. This underscores the importance of resilience, giving them the ability to respond or recover from difficult situations.
Resilience goes beyond simply picking yourself up after setbacks. It encourages learning from these experiences and using them to build character, ultimately coming out stronger from going through various challenges in life.
Overcoming Personal Setbacks
In their formative years, young women often encounter various personal hurdles, including dealing with rejection, managing failures, or going through traumatic life events. If they don’t have strong coping mechanisms, these challenges can have lasting effects, shaping their self-confidence and future relationships.
Developing resilience equips these young women with the necessary skills to confront and overcome these challenging moments, growing stronger and more self-assured.
Learning From Success and Failure
Learning from life’s challenges doesn’t need to be a solo journey. Engaging with a mentor or participating in a support group can offer young girls new insights and different perspectives they might not have considered alone.
In situations that are more complicated, consulting with professionals in settings such as anxiety therapy or trauma therapy can provide a secure space for teens to work through their experiences effectively. These forms of support can also help young women build self-awareness of how their experiences may be having a lasting impact on their mental health while also discovering helpful coping mechanisms.
Improving Decision Making
Young individuals often possess a feeling of invulnerability and belief that they have all the answers. This combination of perceived invincibility and limited experience can result in hasty, impromptu choices, some with lasting impacts.
Teen girls who focus on building their resilience are more inclined to consider the long-term implications of their actions. They become experienced at evaluating the advantages and disadvantages beforehand, leading to wiser choices and avoiding potential mistakes.
Begin Cultivating Resilience Today
Developing resilience isn’t a one-off task – it’s an ongoing journey that demands persistence and dedication. By actively engaging in resilience-building activities and learning from both their successes and setbacks, young girls can cultivate effective coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout their lives and help their mental health.
This article was written by Dr. Hannah Yang.
Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.
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