Ep 272: Helping Teens Discuss Anxiety

Cai Graham, author of Fearless and Free, joins us to offer
practical strategies for helping teens open up about their
anxiety, break through communication barriers, and understand the
science of their emotions, guiding them from silent struggles to
active coping.


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that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
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Full Show Notes


Navigating the turbulent waters of teenage anxiety can often feel
like a daunting task for parents. Teenagers, caught in the storm
of hormonal changes and social pressures, might close off,
leaving us struggling to reach them. When they do grapple with
anxiety, many teens lack the vocabulary or the comfort level to
express what's happening inside them, and this silence can create
a divide between them and the support they need. On the other
hand, parents may feel helpless or at a loss for the right words
when they notice their teen's distress. But there's hope—and it
begins with understanding, communication, and the tools to change
the narrative around anxiety.


Enter our guest, Cai Graham, a parenting and teen coach, speaker,
podcaster, and the insightful author behind the workbook
"Fearless and Free - A Step by Step Blueprint to Conquer
Anxiety." Cai brings to light the nuances of teenage anxiety from
both parental and adolescent perspectives, delivering frameworks
and actionable tactics for starting those necessary
conversations.


Understanding Anxiety's Hold on Teens


Cai dives deep into the heart of anxiety, explaining the biology
behind it, and destigmatizing the experience for both teens and
their parents. She dismantles the shame that can often shroud
feelings of anxiety, unpacking why teens might feel a troubling
sense of isolation when confronting their worries. By reframing
these emotions as natural, Cai enables parents to foster an
environment where teens can approach their apprehension without
fear of judgment.


Communication Tools for Tough Talks


Cai introduces the 'three questions'—a game-changing tool for
parents to get teens talking without overwhelming them. This
exercise offers teens the space they need to measure their
emotional temperature in a safe space. Through this
straightforward approach, the dialogues that once seemed
impossible start to flow, creating a foundation for mutual
understanding and trust.


The Role of Self-Compassion in Healing


Self-compassion is key in the fight against anxiety. Cai urges
both parents and teens to exercise it, arguing that it's crucial
in the face of setbacks. By examining failure as feedback, not
defeat, teens can learn resilience. Cai's discussion on
self-compassion serves as a powerful reminder for parents to lead
by example in how they handle their own imperfections, ultimately
guiding their teens by showing them that being gentle with
oneself is not only okay—it's necessary.


Navigating Panic and Anxiety: KNOW the
Difference


Cai brilliantly differentiates between anxiety and panic,
illustrating to parents why understanding the distinction
matters. She presents methods to help teens address and cope with
the sudden onset of panic as opposed to the simmering worries of
anxiety, equipping families with the knowledge to tackle each
appropriately.


Practical Strategies for Calming the Chaos


Armed with tactics like 'brain dumping' and the THINK framework,
Cai teaches teens how to prioritize tasks and address the
onslaught of negative internal dialogue that can exacerbate
anxiety. These strategies are essential tools for empowering
teens to take control of their emotional and practical worlds.


In this episode, Cai Graham guides us through:
   - The power of naming emotions to conquer
anxiety
   - Coaching teens to manage their to-do lists and
calm their minds
   - Techniques for grounding and self-soothing during
anxious moments
   - How to model effective coping strategies to
inspire anxious adolescents


To discover more about Cai Graham's work in supporting families
through the journey of adolescence and anxiety, visit
CaiGraham.com, or check out her book "Fearless and Free" on
Amazon for a comprehensive guide to help your teen thrive.


Tune in to learn how you can help your teen transition from
anxiety to assurance with the expert advice from Cai Graham.
Don’t forget to listen, share, and subscribe to Talking to Teens
for weekly insights on guiding teens through their most formative
years.





Sponsored by Equip: Eating disorder treatment
that works—delivered at home. Visit equip.health/talking for more
information, and a free consultation.