At Somethings, we prioritize the emotional well-being of your teen, particularly when it comes to anxiety. Our mentors receive extensive training to provide effective support in dealing with anxiety-related challenges. Here's an overview of our anxiety training program:

Understanding Anxiety

Our mentors undergo in-depth education about anxiety, gaining a comprehensive understanding of what it entails. We emphasize that anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it can manifest in various ways, impacting both thoughts and emotions.

Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms

We equip our mentors with the ability to recognize common anxiety symptoms in teens. These may include excessive worrying, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath. They are also taught about how these types of anxieties might manifest themselves in social interactions, and affect the well-being of your teen’s relationships. 

Types of Anxiety

Our mentors learn about different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias. Understanding these distinctions helps mentors tailor their support to each teen's unique needs.

Promoting a Safe Space

We emphasize the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for teens to share their anxiety-related experiences. Our mentors are trained to be empathetic listeners and to offer support without imposing judgment or criticism. Being that our matching process focuses on relatability, a huge part of supporting a teen is mentors sharing their own experiences with anxiety and normalizing the experiences while showing teens healthy coping mechanisms that can be used. 

Coping Strategies

Mentors are equipped with a variety of evidence-based coping strategies to assist teens in managing anxiety. These strategies may include mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, grounding exercises, and encouraging engaging activities that promote relaxation all from a perspective of lived experience.

Encouraging Positive Thinking: 

Our mentors work with teens to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic perspectives. By promoting healthy thought processes, teens can develop resilience in the face of anxiety.

Identifying Triggers: 

We train our mentors to help teens identify triggers that contribute to their anxiety. By understanding the root causes, mentors can assist in developing coping mechanisms that address these specific stressors.

At Somethings, we are committed to fostering a safe, empowering environment that supports teens in their journey to manage anxiety effectively. Through our comprehensive training program, our mentors are well-prepared to provide understanding, guidance, and encouragement to your teen throughout their mental health journey.

TOOLS

Cognitive Reframing

When you think, 'I'll never succeed,' try changing it to 'I'm capable of handling challenges, and failure is an opportunity to learn.'

Grounding Techniques: 

Focus on five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This brings you back to the present.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: 

Guide the teen through tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to release tension. Example: "Tense your fists for five seconds, then relax. Now, tense your shoulders for five seconds, then relax. Continue with other muscle groups."

Creating an Anxiety Coping Toolbox: 

In your toolbox, include activities like drawing, going for a walk, listening to calming music, or using a stress ball.