AIDEN* WAS STRUGGLING.

Aiden is a 17-year-old high school student with divorced parents.

He lives with his mom full-time and spends weekends and holidays with his dad. His parents made him attend one of those “bougie” private schools.

At first, it sucked being one of only eight BIPOC kids. Things have improved over time, but some of those kids are racist AF.

THE PRESSURE FROM HIS PARENTS STRESSES HIM OUT.

Aiden does decently in school – mostly Bs and a few As and Cs. But is that good enough for his parents? Nope! They’re so extra; they complain about everything, his grades, and friends, and getting into college.

They think it’s motivating to compare him to his straight-A sister. It’s not, and it makes him feel like he’s not good enough.

He knows they love him and want him to have a good life – but sometimes, it doesn’t feel like it. If he could only get them to chill with the pressure.

SOCIAL MEDIA: BEST FRIEND AND WORST ENEMY.

He sees his classmates posting pictures from parties – smoking and drinking. He tried weed, but it’s not his thing. He’s not interested in drugs, hookups, or smashing. But sometimes, he acts like he is because he doesn’t want to be called lame – he just wants to fly under the radar.

Everyone is posting about their college decisions, but he’s scared he’ll bomb the SATs and won’t even get into college.

Before taking the practice test, he thought he had a panic attack. It felt like an elephant was sitting on his chest; he could barely breathe, and he low-key thought he was dying. But he didn’t tell anyone.

LET THERAPY BE A SAFE SPACE.

Therapy is a stress-free place where you can relax. There’s no pressure to be perfect or say the right things.

We’ll listen to music, watch videos, discuss what makes life hard, and figure out how to make it easier. We’ll talk about how filters and fakes on social hurt your self-esteem and find ways to have fun on social without comparing yourself to others.

Together, we’ll develop ways to deal with depression, anxiety, and other problems that come with being a teen.

TALK TO YOUR PARENTS.

Being a teen is stressful; everyone wants you to be responsible like an adult, but they treat you like a kid.

You wish you could talk to your parents without them cutting you off and telling you that you’re wrong. You tried it once; it didn’t work… so it’s whatever.

But if you’re ready to give therapy a try, let your parents know. Show them this webpage so they can sign you up.

*Name and story are composite narratives and do not reflect an actual client.