Mental Health

🧠 What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural feeling that everyone experiences during time to time. It's a reaction that prepares you to face challenges but sometimes the "alarm" could go off when there's no real problem. But it can be overwhelming when it starts to affect daily activities, school, sleep and relationships.

What Can Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety can show up in many different ways. Anxiety affects your body, behavior and can take over your thoughts. Anxiety is not just a feeling of worry it can physically affect people and cause overthinking. When anxiety starts to get overwhelming you may find yourself wanting to avoid places such as school, avoid friends/family or put a lot of pressure on yourself.

Common Signs of Anxiety

• Feeling constantly on edge
• Physical aches
• Lack of focus
• Sleep disruptions

🌧️ What Can Trigger Anxiety?

Anxiety is like your body's built in "alarm system", An upcoming event or stressful life situations can trigger anxiety. Common triggers include public speaking, academic pressure, social media comparison and relationships. Everyone's triggers are different and one event that feels stressful to one person may not feel stressful to another person.

Ways to Cope

• Talk to a trusted friend, family member or professional
• Breathing exercises to calm your body
• Create healthy sleeping habits
• Stay active by exercising and moving more
• Write your thoughts down in a journal

You're Not Alone

Nearly one in three teens have experienced anxiety. Therefore, you are not the only one going through it. Talking to a person you trust can make a difference.

📞 When Should You Reach Out For Help?

Feeling nervous sometimes is normal, you should begin reaching out for support when your anxiety is becoming a lot and begins interfering with your daily activities. When anxiety gets in the way of your academics, relationships/activities or more you can reach out to someone you trust

Resources For NYC Teens