Dear Dear SSM, SSM,

Grappling With The Growing Pains

By Elle Sy & Jessica Snyder

Everyone goes through them. Looking for guidance on how to navigate growing up? The Life Coaches have just that for you.

I experienced a big change in the middle of the school year. Initially, I was excited about the freedom to study on my own terms However, as time went on, I felt stuck in a monotonous routine, doing the same thing every day. The limited social interaction has affected my mood, and I don’t feel like my happy self anymore. How do I make myself feel better in a limited space? How do I not lose myself?

Acceptanceopensdoorstonewchallengesthattheenvironment will bring. Acknowledging that things won't be the same offers a time that’s full of excitement and possibilities. Give yourself the spacetoleteverythingsinkinfirst.

The next step is to learn to let go. Your feelings right now are valid, yet only temporary. Don’t let them discourage you from growing in this new chapter Significant changes are the culmination of small things you do Take time to celebrate your progressandseekoutnewexperiencesthatwouldhelpyouadjust at your own pace. What were some things that brought you joy before?Integratingthoseintoyournewenvironmentcouldprevent youfromlosingasenseofself.

My friends often go to me to vent or ask for advice. I appreciate that but sometimes, I want to talk about my feelings too However, I feel like it would burden them because I know we all have problems How can I deal with this?

Vulnerabilitymakesushuman–youfeelwhatyoufeel,andthatis real Do you feel burdened when your friends share their feelings withyou?Ifyoudon’t,chancesaretheydon’tseeitthatwayeither. Yourtruefriendswillwanttobethereforyoutoobecausefriendship isnottransactional.

When you’re already burdened by your own troubles, it can be difficult to support others who need a shoulder to cry on. You can neverpourfromanemptycup.Soletthingsout!Beingvulnerable withyourfeelingscanaidothersinunexpectedways.Itfostersasafe spacetobehonest,showingthatit’sokaytofeelthatway.

I’ve recently become a lot more self-conscious about my physical appearance. How can I stop overthinking how I look and thinking about how other people see me?

You’re not alone on this one People are too busy wondering the same thing about themselves, and no one is really paying that much attention to you. Although you might feel like the whole world is watching you, if everyone feels that way, the scrutiny is notasintenseasitseems.

Focusing your energy inward, and lessening overthinking starts with a healthy self-image. It is quite a universal experience to havephysicalchangesthroughyourteenageyears.However,that isnotyourfinalformyet,thereisstillplentyofroomtogrow Fornow,learnhowtoappreciateyourselfandwhereyouareat