Amanda Stern, a Brooklyn-based author, gave a presentation at Prince Rupert Middle School on Feb. 22, offering tools that will help them manage their anxiety.
Stern, who travels and gives these presentations both in Canada and the United States on the subject, said her goal was to share her experience growing up with anxiety.
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“When I was growing up, I had tremendous anxiety and nobody really handled it well, and it didn’t have a name, and nobody diagnosed me,” Stern said.
She said she wanted the students to understand that there is nothing wrong with them if they experience anxious feelings, and they are not “broken” because of them.
After explaining what anxiety is, Stern helped identify ways students could manage any anxious feelings. She also taught them physical exercises and meditation techniques they could use.
“These are just tools they can use to externalize their worries so they don’t feel like it’s who they are,” she said.
Kate Toye, coordinator for North Coast Literacy Now, helped to facilitate the visit. Toye said that as students approach their teen years, their relationships and social networks change, and managing that transition.
“That comes with a lot of uncertainty and a lot of things about yourself,” she said. “To have someone speak to you about what might be happening inside of you, from a completely different perspective than someone who is a part of your life, is a benefit for them.”
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<>Matthew Allen | Reporter
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