Episode 61: The number of teens struggling with anxiety has seen a steady rise since 2007. At present, nearly one in three adolescents will meet criteria for an anxiety disorder by the age of 18. In this episode, we’re joined by college student Elena Shain, who courageously shares her story of navigating severe anxiety since she was a young child and how, together with her family and her service dog, she has gained knowledge about herself and developed skills to better manage her life. Also with us is psychologist Sheilah Siegel, Ph.D. who provides information about teen anxiety symptoms, coping strategies, treatment approaches and shares resources. Since this interview was originally recorded in 2020, more teens than ever are experiencing mental health challenges, so new content has been added to make this episode relevant and useful for today’s listeners.
Broadcasts: 12/3/23 & 12/12/23
Special thanks to Jeanne Baldzikowski for audio production, to Jennifer Young, who assisted with research and outreach, and to Patrice Vecchione for story coaching. And finally, thanks to acoustic guitarist Adrian Legg for composing, performing, and donating the use of our theme music.
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RESOURCES
Books
Don’t Tell Me to Relax! One Teen’s Journey to Survive Anxiety (and How You Can Too) (2019) by Sophie Siegel (Indie Books)
Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid’s Guide to Managing Anxiety (2018) by Dawn Huebner (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry (2008) by Lisa Schab, LCSW (Instant Help Books and Imprint of New Harbinger Books)
Websites
Child Mind Institute – Resources for kids with anxiety
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – An international nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research
TSA Cares – for disability support in airports
College Disability/Accessibility Centers – Connect with the Disability or Student Resource Center at your college. For example: The Accessibility Center (ASC) at Cabrillo College (Aptos, CA) or DRC at Foothill Community College (Los Altos, CA)
Apps You Can Download
WorryBreath – box breathing for your worries
UpLift – a cognitive behavioral skill-building resource
Worry Kit – bite-sized mental health tools
Podcasts
Digital Screen Use – Teen Anxiety & Depression (Episode 7)
Behavioral Health Today, May 12, 2020 – A production of Triad Behavioral Health, where they discuss trending topics in behavioral and mental health. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Dog Training
Martyn Canine Behavior (San Francisco Bay Area) – Service dog, ESA, pet training and consulting. This is who got and trained Elena’s service dog Tucker. Contacts: Ashley Torres or D. Glenn Martyn
Email: martyn4d@aol.com
Phone: (650) 898-9117
Kindred Spirit: Dog Training with Heart (Santa Cruz, CA) – Uses humane training methods based on positive reinforcement and modern training theory and is experienced at training psychiatric service dogs.
Lori Katz, owner/trainer
Email: Lorikatz@aol.com
Phone: (831) 685-DOGS(3647)
Atlas Assistance Dogs – Organization offers customized service dog training and support to dog trainers and to individuals who qualify to have a certified assistance dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Other
Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast is a dedicated underwriter of State of Mind. FSA provides resources, support, and counseling services to adults and children. FSA believes in the power and potential of people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their own creative solutions and welcomes people of diverse cultures, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths, socio-economic backgrounds. FSA Counseling Offices offer Medi-Cal, Medicare, and low-cost, sliding scale services in both downtown Santa Cruz 831-423-9444 x200 and in Soquel 831-346-6767 x200.
Santa Cruz County Office of Education Alternative Education Program
Dedicated teachers assist students to achieve social, interpersonal and academic success. They inspire students to develop their greatest potential. Low student-to-teacher ratios are provided in a variety of K-12 educational environments. (831) 466-5728
