Have you ever wondered how to help your teen understand what anxiety is and why talking about their feelings can bring them some relief? If so, here’s what you can say. Read on…
Anxiety can feel like a heavy weight on your chest or a constant buzzing in the back of your mind. It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes, especially when there’s a lot going on in your life. But what if the things that make you anxious aren’t always obvious, even to you? Sometimes, the feelings that cause anxiety are hidden deep inside, and you might not even know they’re there. These hidden feelings are what we call "unconscious" feelings—they’re like things you can’t see, but they still affect how you feel and act.
So, why does talking about your feelings help with anxiety? Well, here’s the thing, when you talk about what’s bothering you, even if you don’t completely understand it, you can start to bring those hidden feelings to the surface. Think of it like digging through the dirt to find a buried treasure. The more you talk, the more you start to uncover the thoughts and feelings that were hidden. Once they’re out in the open, you can begin to make sense of these thoughts and feelings - maybe you see where they’re coming from or can connect them to another time or experience in your life. Once these formerly hidden thoughts and feelings start to make some sense, they don’t have the same power over you anymore.
How, then, are thoughts connected to behaviors? Sometimes we act in certain ways or feel a certain mood without really knowing why. You might find yourself snapping at someone, feeling down for no reason, or avoiding things you normally enjoy. These behaviors are often signs that something inside you is causing stress, even if you're not fully aware of it. When you talk to someone—a therapist, a friend, or a parent—it helps you understand where those feelings are coming from, which can make them feel less overwhelming. When you feel less overwhelmed inside, your behaviors are better on the outside.
Talking doesn’t just help you understand your anxiety, it also helps to relieve it. Why? Because when you put your feelings into words, you make them easier to deal with. You’re no longer carrying them around in silence. It’s like letting out a big sigh after holding your breath for too long. That sigh might not make the problem go away, but it gives you a little more space to breathe and think.
So, if you're feeling anxious, don’t keep it to yourself. Talk about it—whether it’s in therapy or with someone you trust. Talking is like opening a window in a stuffy room; it lets fresh air in, and helps you feel clearer, calmer, and more in control of your emotions.
