| Banish Teenage Blues: Teen Health |
Banish Teenage Blues Page 2
Art Therapy
If you’ve ever seen a teenage sketchbook, you’ll know the medium is a natural one for self-expression. You can say anything you want to because the page actually listens,” says Isobel. “You don’t have to be scared that you’ll be judged or criticised, because it won’t tell anyone – and you can always rip it up afterwards!”
In formal settings, art therapy often reports much greater success for tends than traditional counselling methods. Even informally, drawing can be invaluable. Like diary writing, it’s a safe way for teens to express strong feelings without hurting themselves or others. Teaching emotional identification and processing, art encourages self-awareness and emotional maturity.
Bach Flowers and Aromatherapy
“You can go to a great school, have developed many talents, have wonderful friends.. and still feel like you aren’t doing well enough,” says Holly. In situations like these Bach Flower Remedies are helpful. Working at a subtle energetic level, they help the mind and body process and overcome difficult emotions. Walnut is great for periods of transition, and crab apple for feelings of inadequacy. There are remedies to help when you’re struggling with fear, perfectionism, missing former days, feeling overwhelmed, and many more.
In contrast aromatherapy helps a range of physical problems. From appetite regulation and headaches to menstruation difficulties, Geranium balances the skin’s sebum production, helping both dry and oily skin, and many oils, including tea-tree, tame acne. Knowing how to use simple remedies like these can boost teen’ self esteem and sense of control over their lives. You can learn more about Bach Flower Remedies at www.edwardbach.org.au or find an accredited aromatherapist at www.ifa.org.au.
Contemplation
For a few minutes each day, picture in details the person you want to become. See your inner and outer beauty becoming more radiant each day. Hold onto that picture. It is a true image and it is who you are becoming.
Further Reading
Stauch, Brabara. The Primal Teen, Doubleday, 2003
Covers Dr Giedd’s brain research
The Secret Life of the Brain - www.pbs.org/wnet/brain/about.html
Episode Three, The Teenage Brain: A World of Their Own
Location of the amygdala in the Brain