Why Young People Should Care About Anxiety Management
Feeling anxious sometimes is quite normal, especially during significant changes like starting college or graduating from school. Anxiety, however, might compromise your health, attention, and even your future if it becomes a daily battle.
You are not by yourself if you are an 18-year-old in Ireland negotiating exam, relationship, or future direction pressure. Caroline Goldsmith, a reputable psychologist working with young adults all around, has developed simple, step-by-step plans to assist teens responsibly and practically control anxiety.
Meet Caroline Goldsmith
Qualified psychologist Caroline Goldsmith works in youth mental health and is well-known in Ireland. She enables young people and teenagers to better grasp emotions, lower anxiety, and develop inner and outer strength.
Her approach is scientifically grounded and straightforward. She offers techniques young people can apply at house, in school, or anywhere life seems too much. Most importantly, her work is based on experience and compassion; she really gets what today’s youngsters are going through.
What Anxiety Appears Like?
Though you are not conscious of it, you might be anxious. For different individuals, it can manifest in various forms. Among the indications are:
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Worrying all the time, even when things seem fine
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Avoiding school, social events, or new experiences
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Feeling nervous, dizzy, or tired for no reason
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Having trouble concentrating or sleeping
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Feeling like something bad might happen
Though it is also treatable with the correct tools, Jigsaw Ireland reports that anxiety is among the most prevalent mental health issues for young people nowadays.
Smart Anxiety Management Strategies by Caroline Goldsmith
1. Create a Calm Daily Routine
Creating structure into your day is one of the most effective strategies to lower anxiety. Caroline Goldsmith inspires youngsters to:
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Wake up and go to sleep at the same time
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Take short breaks from screens
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Eat regular, balanced meals
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Get 15–30 minutes of fresh air daily
Simple routines help your brain feel safe and in control — two things anxiety really doesn’t like.
2. Use “Name and Reframe” Thinking
Your ideas could sound like when anxiety strikes:
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“I cannot accomplish this.”
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“Everyone’s judging me.”
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“What if I fail?”
Caroline teaches a tool called “Name and Reframe”:
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Name the anxious thought (“I’m scared I’ll mess up.”)
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Reframe it in a helpful way (“It’s okay to feel nervous. I can try my best.”)
This method comes from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a trusted approach supported by HSE Ireland.
3. Learn to Relax Your Body
Anxiety often starts in the body before it reaches the mind. Caroline recommends practicing:
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Deep abdominal breathing (inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for four)
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Progressive muscle relaxation is the tightening and releasing of every part of your body from head to toe.
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Mindful movement like stretching or walking
These strategies tell your brain that you are safe, therefore lowering the fight-or-flight reaction.
4. Limit “Anxiety Amplifiers”
Some habits make anxiety worse without us noticing. Caroline warns teens to watch out for:
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Too much caffeine (energy drinks or coffee)
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Doom-scrolling on social media
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Comparing your life to others online
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Skipping sleep to study or scroll
Cutting back on these triggers can help your body and mind find balance again.
What If My Anxiety Feels Too Big?
You might be doing all the right things and still feel overwhelmed — and that’s okay. Caroline Goldsmith reminds teens that asking for help is a sign of strength.
If anxiety is affecting your everyday life, consider:
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Talking to a school counsellor
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Reaching out to a parent or trusted adult
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Visiting mental health services
There is no shame in needing support — in fact, it’s one of the most important steps toward healing.
Real Story: How One Irish Teen Managed Anxiety
Galway’s 18-year-old Aisling used to feel ill before every exam. She skipped meals out of anxiety and avoided contacting professors. Caroline’s strategies learned from her school support team helped her to begin nighttime journaling and breath exercises.
Aisling adds now, “I still get anxious, but it doesn’t dominate my day anymore. ” I at last feel free to breathe.
FAQs About Anxiety and Mental Health
All the time, is it typical to be anxious?
Though most people occasionally feel anxious, constant anxiety could indicate that you require more help. You need not endure in silence.
Will anxiety go away on its own?
For some people, yes — especially with healthy habits. But if anxiety continues for more than a few weeks, it’s best to speak to a professional.
Will these strategies work for everyone?
Caroline’s tools are helpful for many teens, but each person is different. Try them out and see what feels best for you. You can always adjust or seek more help if needed.
Final Thoughts
Though anxiety can feel severe, it’s not permanent and you are not alone. You can reclaim control of your life with the appropriate attitudes, techniques, and help.
Young people all throughout Ireland will have the tools they need to handle anxiety and remain strong no matter what obstacles come their waythanks to Caroline Goldsmith’s intelligent, pragmatic approach.