Finding Yourself When the World Feels Overwhelming
Mohinee Sharma
Let’s be honest. Being a teenager right now is hard. You’re coming of age during a time of intense political threat, global challenges, and constant social pressure. The world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever, and somehow, you’re supposed to figure out who you are in the middle of the chaos.
It’s okay to:
Keep parts of yourself private
Choose when and where to be open
Have a different “public self” and “private self”
Take time to figure things out
Small Steps to Finding Your True Self
Listen to Your Inner Voice
What makes you excited?
What are your real interests?
What values matter most to you?
What do I wish others knew about me?
Experiment Safely
Explore new hobbies
Express yourself through art or music
Test new ways of dressing in your room
Spend time with people who accept you as you are
Find Your Spaces
Online support groups
School diversity clubs
Community centers
Supportive religious groups
Identity-specific organizations
Art or activism communities
Building Emotional Resilience
Journal your thoughts and feelings
Create boundaries with social media
Practice mindfulness
Create a playlist that makes you feel strong
Your journey to authenticity is uniquely yours and not a fixed destination. Remember that your worth isn’t determined by others’ opinions. You’re doing something incredibly courageous: growing up, thinking critically, and trying to find yourself in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Be kind to yourself along the way.
Mohinee Sharma, AMFT 141615
she/her
Supervised by Ivy Griffin, LMFT 51714
Thrive Therapy & Counseling