By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
Stress and anxiety is best not fought by teenage girls – indeed anyone – on their own, says Hallam-based Angel Light Link director Sally McCracken.
There are many mental health services, including one-on-one stress management, available in Casey but Angel Light Link will soon pilot the only group-support sessions for teenage girls.
The four-week ‘#stressdump’ programs aim to be fun, informative and supportive.
The benefit of a group setting is the teenagers who can be socially isolated due to their anxiety, get to talk with others around the same age and help one another, Ms McCracken said.
Research was proving the group support approach was effective, she said.
“For us it’s not about trying to get rid of anxiety.
“We can learn to manage that and having the skills to cope with that so it does not impact on our wellbeing and happiness.”
Anxiety disorders or generalised anxiety are quite common afflictions – striking one in six people across all age groups.
For adolescents, it can be triggered by social situations and studying.
Ms McCracken said the key is for people to be conscious of their physical, behavioural and emotional anxiety reactions. There are skills and strategies to cope as stress rises.
“Anxiety is one of those strange things. If you fight against it and try not to worry, we can actually start to worry more.”
Angel Light Link has been running programs and support services for more than 7000 teenage girls in 40 schools and community groups in Melbourne’s south-east over the past 10 years.
Ms McCracken recently won the best community-minded mum category in the Brilliant Biz Mum Awards for her work with the not-for-profit service.
“The highlights for me is when I see a young person that breakthrough and improve their wellbeing.”
The pilots start in Clyde North for 13-15-year-olds on 21 July and in Hallam for 16-18-year-olds on 18 August.
Details from 9796 5054 or at angellightlink.org.
