![Stress starts outside us, until we absorb it and take it into ourselves](https://i0.wp.com/changedinsights.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/business-stress-quote-canva-pd.png?fit=800%2C800&ssl=1)
Stress is internal pain from external events
” If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment”
What happens when the young adult’s self regulation skills are not adequate to handle their current stress levels? When the smallest item or situation causes an emotional outburst which leaves everyone exhausted? When you can see they are not coping and are starting to withdraw- usually in unhelpful ways. These actions are called displacement activities and range from cleaning out their cupboard, to taking rest breaks every 10 minutes throughout the day, to trying drugs and alcohol.
They move from being motivated and under pressure into the danger zone where their performance starts to stall and then drop. The more pressured they feel, the more their study goals etc go undone, and ultimately they become clinically distressed. At this point they become dysfunctional emotionally, cognitively and even physically.
The biggest concern is not only will this response impact on their exam results. It also sets the pattern for how they will respond to high levels of pressure in their future.
Research shows teenagers who have high anxiety and DO NOT learn the appropriate skills to self manage it, stand an 80% of experiencing depression in their 30’s.
It does not matter how many times we may have said
What our Year 12 hears and feels is what matters to them, and this becomes the biggest influence on how they respond to anything and everything.
Our role as Parents and Teachers for the next 10+ weeks is to be the steady guiding presence which enables the young adult to feel supported whilst they practice their self regulation skills.
Sometimes those self regulation skills are enough to keep them focused, energised and motivated to get through the pre-exam and exam time well and emotionally intact. An occasional outburst goes with the situation, and in fact may even be expected. In many instances it may still be healthy.
With 10 weeks or less to go before the VCE or IB exams begin, it may seem as if starting psychotherapy now could be too late. I believe it is never too late, but I do understand the time pressures for now.
There is always enough time to learn again how to self manage anxiety and distress.
These 3 short, laser sharp, and focused sessions aim to:
Each student should:
This Teen Anxiety Relief Package is based on well researched anxiety management techniques which are shown to deliver results within 3 sessions.
It has been designed specifically for highly anxious students who still have to deliver and perform within a tight time frame
After the initial assessment, should further therapy or interventions be deemed necessary, this is outside the scope of this offer and will be discussed with the young adult and their parents.
Changed Insights Blog contains various articles on all things therapy – including teens and their response to stressful events and experiences.
” If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment”
Of course we want to be positive. Everyday, Most minutes and preferably all the time. In fact our expectation is
May your Today be one of hope, joy and positive expectations. Leave your worry for Yesterday.
Please book a time here
Croydon Clinic
Wednesday – 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Thursday– 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Saturday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
TeleTherapy Session Times
Tuesday – 11.00am – 2.00pm and 3.00pm – 8.00pm
Friday – 2.00pm – 6.00pm