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Teen Stress
and Anxiety
Child Stress and Anxiety
Guided Imagery Can Help
Pressures, expectations, and temptations for our children and teens are greater than ever.
A poll from The National Association of Pediatrics stated that 85% of teens polled felt that they were stressed out and overwhelmed.
Pressures may come from many sources including:
- Internal sources - teens often create pressures themselves by procrastinating or taking more than they can handle
- External sources - family, peers, teachers, and employers
- The strong need to fit in
Beyond the basics of love and attention that everyone craves, all kids are primarily motivated to reach one of three goals:
- Need for achievement / reward (these are often considered high achievers or perfectionists)
- Need for peer approval or friendships that they can rely on
- Need to feel in control of their lives and not be overpowered by family, teachers, etc. (these children/teens are usually defiant, hard-headed or strong-willed).
 Mood swings, acting out, anger, slamming doors, changes in sleep patterns, grades, personality, such as being withdrawn and sad are often indicators of teenage stress.
In order for our children or teens to cope, they need down time to be alone, think and just rejuvenate.
They are very resilient and can bounce back quickly if just given the quiet time that they need. They often just want to do nothing and chill.
Give them that time.
The key to surviving the teen years, is to have a release from all the pressures and challenges that they have everyday in their life. Encourage them to follow their dreams and passions. Keep them involved in some sort of social activity, perhaps sports or clubs or music.
 Life isn't all about being organized and structured. It is important to take time out and just be yourself.
Children and teens are stressed because they feel that they are always doing what others want rather than what they want for themselves. They feel pressured and trapped.
Children and teens need and want to have fun with their friends, and find a strong support group that they can count on.
Let them know that is is ok to be different. It is ok to be their own person.
Our children/teens are exposed to a great deal of negative media exposure. It is up to us to refocus their thoughts and mind on what is real on positive and safe thoughts.
There is a strong importance in the value of imagination. Encourage them to use the wisdom of their imagination to solve their own problems. They do this by creating pictures in their mind’s eye that help them learn how to reach a desired goal.
The use of Guided Imagery Meditation CD's have been shown to have a remarkable way of refocusing a child or teen's thoughts and calming down their minds.
Sometimes their images show them a new way to solve their problem – other times they may call upon an inner guide (e.g., animal friend, wizard, or wise person) who shares knowledge or gives imaginary gifts to help overcome their concerns.
 Play is not just important for its own sake – for fun – but because it develops, as one example, important social skills in learning to understand oneself and others.
Play can also be restorative in releasing stress, and working through trauma and grief.
When a child/teen feels the outside pressures, it is then that they can utilize the full effects of guided imagery.
There are enough pressures out in the world for them. Let them have fun.
Guided Imagery for Child and Teenage Stress
Guided Imagery for children and teens has been a very effective tool to allow them to come to grips with what they are feeling.
Often they are confused by their feelings and embarrassed to talk about them.
That is where Guided Imagery helps the most. It is an inner communication with a person's feelings, fears and uncertainties. Guided Imagery gives them the change to work through them and move on with life.
Guided Imagery is equally effective for boys or girls. The main focus is learning to identify when a person is under stress and then coping in a healthy and safe way. They then can get back to doing the things their love to do and have fun. They are able to succeed in the things that they need to accomplish, whether it be school, relationships or sports.
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Stress and Learning
Disabilities
Guided Imagery Can Help
According to the National Association of Learning Disabilities, families with a member with a Learning Disability, (i.e. Attention Deficit, Attention Deficit DIsorder with Hyperactivity, dyslexia, bipolar disease, Autism, Anxiety Disorder, etc) experience more challenges and stress than others.
The stress
of being diagnosed with having a learning disability can initially be overwhelming.
It can upset the entire family dynamics, often turning a home that is typically a secure, comfortable, and safe place into a place of frustration, anxiety, chaos and despair.
Individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability, (i.e., Attention Deficit, or Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Autism, Bipolar Disease, etc) often have difficulty paying attention to tedious tasks such as work, everyday activities, chores, schoolwork, etc.
Often individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability are more spontaneous and do or say things without considering the consequences.
They are not lazy, insensitive or rude. They just need to be taught a a sense of of direction, focus, and purpose. Having a loving, nurturing and supportive environment is the key.
Children with Learning Disability in a classroom setting
(Attention Deficit, and Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder)
 Children diagnosed with Attention Deficit and other forms of a learning disability are often said as having 'attention problems' in the classroom.
Students with ADD or ADHD account for a significant number of our population often coupled with other learning differences that impact language learning or processing.
Often, these students are incorrectly described as having behavior or motivation issues when the truth is that these students often put far more effort into their academic endeavors, and have less to show for it at the end of the day, than their peers who don't have the same challenges and obstacles in their path.
Rick Lavoie, a former teacher and Head of Riverview School in Massachusetts, and author and speaker about children with learning differences, recently published a book on motivation called The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child in which he observes that in all the years he worked with LD and ADD he never met a student that didn't want to do 'his work' - but met lots who didn't want to do "our work!'
There's the rub for lots of our students--they can focus on the tasks and activities that give something back to them and reward them for their efforts, but they are less successful working on the things WE want them to do that are difficult for them and unrewarding to their efforts.
Watch a youngster at a skate park rehearse a trick on his skateboard. They will practice the sequence over and over, perfecting every detail of the move, sometimes in the face of painful falls and frustrating mistakes. They will allow others to comment and give suggestions, but there's camaraderie even though there are different levels of accomplishment and skill around the park.
It is a culture of achievement! There is no way we would describe such kids as unfocused or unmotivated. But that same child confronted with a sheet of math programs in school where he must be still and quiet might face withering discouragement fueled by delays for processing, poor memory for math facts, and feelings of defeat even before he starts.
Are our children any different from us? In our careers, we tend to "play" in our areas of strength - and avoid those tasks and activities where we feel ill-suited or poorly equipped to compete. I realize we all need to do things we don't like or may not be good at, but what if we were stuck in a situation where most of the day we were confronted with such tasks and then judged by how well we accomplished them? What if we were called lazy or unmotivated because it took us longer than someone else to complete such a task?
We all realize that this is exactly what so many of our kids experience, and it is clear to me that it is our job as teachers and parents to help get our kids through this experience uninjured and whole. How do we do that?!
The first thing I suggest is to change the way look at these kids and their struggles. And perhaps as Wayne Dyer says"
"When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change!"
According to Dr. Edward Hallowell, in his book, Driven to Distraction, "there are some people who "chronically daydream. They are often very bright, but they have trouble attending to one topic for very long.
They are full of energy and have trouble staying put. They can be quite impulsive in saying or doing whatever comes to mind, and they find distractions impossible to resist."
Although Attention Deficit Disorders (Attention Deficit with or without Hyperactivity, Dyslexia, Autism, Anxiety Disorders, etc.) and other forms of learning disabilities often result in frustrations and many behavior issues.
However, a learning disability has also been described as a gift. It does have many positive benefits. Individuals are usually loving, compassionate, funny, creative, loyal and have tons of enthusiasm and energy.
 It is ok to be different, what is important is that a person tries their hardest at whatever they try to do. Then, be proud of themselves for having tried their best.
What is vital for a person with a Learning Disability is to learn in a quiet, peaceful environment, avoiding too many distractions.
It is important that they are given additional time and patience to complete projects.
Common symptoms of Attention Deficit or Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity may include:
- Difficulty with coping skills, feeling overwhelmed
- Difficulty solving problems and coping
- Spontaneity, not thinking of consequences
- Difficulty with time management
- Procrastination
- Distraction, forgetfulness, tendency to lose things
- Disruption in sleep patterns
- Difficulty with motivation and following through
- Difficulty in work, school, and job
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Messy
- Hyperactivity, rebelliousness, anger, need for control, irritability Behavior is often impulsive and may be daring or unpredictable to the point of danger
- Stubborn, talk too much, easily frustrated
- Impatient, destructive behavior to self or family
- Difficulty adapting to change
 One of the greatest desires that anyone has, especially a person with a learning disability is to fit in and to be accepted by others.
Encourage them to keep positive and surround themselves with positive things and people.
Find out what they like to do best and focus on their strengths, talents and passions and encourage them to follow their dreams.
Guided Imagery for Child Stress and Teen Stress:
Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) is a simple, well researched relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life.
Guided Imagery Meditation can be used by young children all the way up through the elderly.
Guided Imagery Research has also shown that stimulating the brain through imagery may have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function. The use of a Guided Imagery CD is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management.
Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery,) is a relaxation technique aimed at easing stress and promoting a sense of peace and tranquility at a stressful or difficult time in a person's life.
 Guided Imagery can be used on a one on one process. However, most individuals choose to experience Guided Imagery by way of a Guided Imagery CD. (i.e. Guided Meditation CD, Guided Visualization CD).
It has been clinically proven to promote wellness and optimize overall health.
The use of a Guided Imagery CD for assistance with a Learning Disability Attention Deficit, Attention Deficit DIsorder with Hyperactivity, dyslexia, bipolar disease, Autism, Anxiety Disorder, etc) has been shown to be not only highly effective, but provides a sense of self confidence, pride, and comfort. The individual is led to feel that they are no different than anyone else. They just learn in a different way and often are even more successful than other children their own age.
Guided Imagery is a simple, low cost, and effective tool for stress reduction and stress management. Guided Imagery has been around for centuries, it has been termed by many words:
- Guided Meditation
- Guided Visualization
- Visualization
- Biofeedback
- Relaxation Technique
- Stress Management Technique
- Guided Meditation
"...Guided imagery is a program of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process.
Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real.  An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel.
Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth.
Many people salivate when they do this. This exercise demonstrates how your body can respond to what you are imagining. You can achieve a relaxed state when you imagine all the details of a safe, comfortable place, such as a beach or a garden. This relaxed state may aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance.
It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitudes, health, and sense of well-being. You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain, and promote healing.
Using guided imagery can even help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking." Web Md
Guided Imagery Meditations is a simple, safe tool to aid in relaxation. There are no known risks are associated with it. Guided imagery is a process of directed thoughts and suggestions that guide your imagination toward a relaxed, focused state. (It can be done one-on-one or by way of a Guided Imagery CD
Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel.
Guided Imagery may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitudes, health, and sense of well-being. Guided Imagery CD's assist individuals to reflect on where they are in life, evaluate where they want to be and gently "guide them" to the place that they want to be.
 Guided Imagery Meditations have many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress and anxiety.
You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain, and promote healing.
Using guided imagery can even help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking.
Is Guided Imagery Safe?
The use of Guided imagery techniques is safe. No known risks are associated with it.
It is not safe or recommended to replace your regular medical treatment. Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Imagery (ie. Guided Meditation / Guided Visualization / Imagery) meant to be used in addition as an extra tool to enhance a person's relaxation or outcome of surgery.
How to let your body experience the full benefits of a Guided Imagery CD:
1. There is no right or wrong way. There is really no such thing as right or wrong, successful or unsuccessful way to use the visualization technique of Guided Imagery. Each person is unique.
2. There is not one specific result that you are supposed to have when you use Guided Imagery Meditations. There is an endless list of possible experiences. Just know that they are all ok. Everything is meant to be.
3. Don't try so hard. Be gentle on yourself. Your goal is to slow down and quiet your mind. Don’t try so hard, just let the story guide you.
4. Each Guided Imagery meditation experience will be different and unique.
Guided Imagery and Learning Disabilities
 A person with a learning disability (Attention Deficit, Attention Deficit DIsorder with Hyperactivity, dyslexia, bipolar disease, Autism, Anxiety Disorder, etc). often has many bottled-up feelings and frustrations such as anger, insecurities, fears and even depression.
Guided Imagery is the perfect tool to help them to identify with their feelings, frustrations and emotions.
By the way of the words on the story, work through them and move on with their life with the zest and energy that they were blessed with.
Guided Imagery provides them with the support and self confidence that they need.
They realize that they are not alone and that no matter what, they are loved unconditionally for who they are, and that they are going to be ok.
The use of Guided Imagery provides a sense of relaxation and peaceful tranquility.
They are taught healthy coping strategies that they can use for the rest of their lives.
 Individuals learning with learning disabilities (Attention Deficit, Autism, Dyslexia, Bipolar Disease, Anxiety Disorder) may experience disability-related stress. However, it with proper means of support they can succeed in the world the same, and often more as they learn to work on their strengths.
Children and teens develop effective means of reducing and coping with stress, frustration, and the emotional aspects of their learning disabilities.
Norman Dodge, M.D., author of a book entitled, The Brain that Changes Itself, states the brain is like a muscle that grows when you stimulate it under the right conditions.
When you are motivated to learn new things, the experience can physically change the structure of the brain. The desire to fit in is a key factor in all of our lives. However, it means so much more to those that feel that they may be just a bit different in some ways than others.
One very important factor to always remember is that there are no two people alike.
Each and everyone of us is special and unique in their own way.
There is no right or wrong way to learn. Individuals diagnosed with a Learning Disability (or difference) can learn to function and adapt in most situations.
They just have to do it in their own way!
There are three components of successful coping:
- Awareness of the situations that trigger stress
- Recognition of developing stress
- Availability/access to and use of coping strategies
Successful individuals have developed strategies for reducing stress and avoiding resulting psychological difficulties. Such strategies may include:
- counseling
- asking others to do unmanageable tasks (in work and school)
- changing activities periodically to prevent the feeling of being overwhelmed
- learning to express feelings
- proper communication
- maintaining a safe emotional support group
- focusing on the positive
- staying away from negative or critical persons
- medication
- recognizing triggers that set off frustration and anger
- using proper coping strategies such as Guided Imagery (i.e. Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery)
to help regain control and self confidence
The use of Guided imagery has been clinically proven to be of  great assistance in those suffering from the negative emotional feelings associated with learning disabilities such as (Autism, Attention Deficit, Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity, Dyslexia, Bipolar Disease, etc)
They realize that they are not alone and that no matter what, they are loved unconditionally for who they are. It gives a person a sense of security, self confidence and love.The use of Guided Imagery provides a sense of relaxation and peaceful tranquility.
It allows one to come to grips with what they are feeling, and through the story on the Guided Imagery CD, they are taught healthy coping strategies for dealing with any challenges in their life.
They realize that they are no different than anybody else. .
Learning Disabilities (learning differences) can, in fact, be a blessing and a gift. Guided Imagery assists the cells in the brain to enhance emotional stability and helps a person to focus.
It can raise a person's self confidence and helps with mental alertness. They are very sensitive to all senses, which can be a great advantage to them in life.
 Guided Imagery can bring a person to a state of tranquil, peaceful serenity in a matter of minutes. It is a simple yet remarkable relaxation technique that has been around for hundreds of years to help people slow their racing, busy minds and become settled, relaxed, and at peace.
Our Guided Imagery CD's give you time to regroup with your thoughts and feelings. Guided imagery (Guided Meditation, Guided Visualization, Imagery) helps people, children through adults, identify their feelings, work through them, and let them go.
Our Guided Imagery CDs,
Guided Imagery for Stressful and Difficult times and Guided Imagery for Courage, Strength, and Hope for Teens through Adults, have been a lifesaver to many.
The use of Guided Imagery for any situation in life, allows individuals to realize that there is nothing in the world they can't accomplish as long as they put their heart and soul into it. They can and will soar to heights that they never thought imaginable!
Guided Imagery (i,e. Guided Meditations, Guided Visualization) teaches inner strength and self confidence.
It allows anyone, young or old the ability to connect with the inner feelings, and work through them feeling more self confident, proud and happy in life. They realize that they really are no different than anyone else. They just lean in a "different way".
It gives anyone, young or old the self confidence and belief that with true desire, dedication and commitment, anything is possible.
Guided Imagery Process: 
- Go to a quiet room, free yourself of interruptions for approximately 25 minutes.
- Get into a comfortable position.
- Put on The Guided Imagery C. d's or Guided Imagery Tape
- Simply, close your eyes, and follow the imagery story to a place of peace, tranquility and deep relaxation
Thousands of patients have stated that they instantly feel relaxed, tranquil and at peace while listening to the Imagery CD as well as afterwards.
Guided Imagery is a simple relaxation technique that can teach a person healthy coping skills that can follow them through the rest of their life.
The use of a Guided Imagery CD has been clinically shown to bring an individual to a state of tranquil relaxation in a matter of minutes.
It gives a person self confidence that they are able to take control over their mental and physical well being.
Research has Shown that Guided Imagery May:
- Decrease anxiety for Surgical Preparation
- Decrease stress and anxiety
- Decrease panic attacks
- Decrease blood pressure, chest pain and angina
- Decrease the blood sugar for Diabetics
- Assist Coping strategies of Cancer patients
- Decrease headaches
- Enhance energy for Firma
- Strengthen the immune system
- Decrease anxiety for Burn patients
- Decrease side effects of treatments
- Decrease insomnia, Decrease pain
- Decrease symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
- Assist with stroke rehabilitation
- Assist with cardiac rehabilitation
- Decrease symptoms of asthma, allergies, and respiratory conditions
- Assist coping for surgical preparation
- Assist pre and post medical, dental and surgical treatments
- Assist people coping with losses: (death, relationships, divorces, job)
- Assist patients during post operative Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Assist children with anxiety disorders and Learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit ADD, ADHD, bipolar disorders and dyslexia
- Assist teens with coping with every day stressors of life
- Assist with dealing with post traumatic stress syndromes
- Assist in infertility treatments and conception
- Allow relaxation for pregnancy and labor and delivery process
Most importantly, Guided Imagery (Meditations) by way of a Guided Imagery CD gives a person back control of their life. They feel a sense of deep relaxation, tranquility, and peace.
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They feel empowered and proud of themselves that they were able to work through difficulties in a healthy way. It gives them a sense of pride that they were able solve problems with their creative imagination.
We all want the same for our children. We want them to be respectful, to do well in school, and to be active in sports and outside activities. Most of all, we want our children to be happy.
Guided Imagery gives the child/teen back a sense of direction and control in their life. They no longer feel alone.
Guided Imagery has been shown to provide a safe, positive, and healthy way to deal with all the hectic pressures surrounding us all.
It brings a person to deep relaxation through the gentle soothing story that has a background of tranquil music and nature sounds.
Its purpose is to help a person turn off the racing busy mind and become focused on the present.
Guided Imagery gives a person an opportunity to embrace those feelings, and with the power of their own creative imagination work through the issues facing them and let them go.
On our CD, the story encourages a connection with those that have supported them through life:; their loved ones, friends, people that have inspired them, and perhaps even a person from their past.
They are also invited to feel the presence of a "warm, safe, loving spiritual being."
The main message is that they are not alone and it is ok to make mistakes because nobody is perfect.
It gives them a sense of control that they are taking charge and at the same time feeling good about themselves again.
They are free to be themselves and to enjoy all the things in life that make it special. Their need to fit in and be accepted unconditionally is met.
 Childhood and the teen years should be a time of fun and making memories. At this stage in a child's or teen's life, self esteem is the foundation to a happy and successful future.
They need to know that they have a strong and loyal support system. Guided Imagery is that support tool; it provides a sense of connection.
They learn to love themselves at a much deeper level. It gives them an opportunity to create a new, positive outlook on life.
Guided Imagery has also been used for insomnia. It allows children and teens to turn off their minds and fall into a deep and peaceful sleep.
The background to the story has soothing, tranquil music along with subtle nature sounds of cascading waterfalls and occasional chirping of birds.
Guided Imagery is especially successful with children and teens as they are used to daydreaming and using their imagination. When they have worked through any difficult or challenging times, they are then free to be the person that they want to be.
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They instantly feel relaxed and lighter as they imagine all those feelings glide up and away, farther and farther away from them.