Priceless Medicine
Britney has Generalized Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder. According to Harvard Medical School, about two-thirds of people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder also have major Depression. These diagnoses together leave this young teenager with a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, along with excessive anxiety and worry that is difficult to control; it causes serious distress. These diagnoses interfere with her daily activities and affect how Britney thinks, feels and behaves. They make it hard for Britney to do normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes she feels as if life isn't worth living.
That is a lot for this sweet and kind young girl to manage! She and her therapist decided that Britney would benefit from having a strong female figure in her life; someone that is specifically able to have conversations about self-esteem with her and be supportive in times of distress.
Judy is a Great Life mentor who was trained, ready and well-suited to mentor Britney, especially when she was experiencing anxiety or depression, so the match was made. The two have been friends and supported by Great Life Mentoring for over a year. Britney said Judy is kind, caring and loving, and that “she’s a really good listener.”
One day in particular, these characteristics of Judy’s made a great difference to her friend. They were out in the community together when Judy turned to Britney and saw that her eyes were filling up with tears; she was starting to have an anxiety attack. Judy knew just what to do. She stopped everything and guided her friend to the car.
Britney was crying and apologizing, but Judy understood and calmly assured her that it would be okay. She guided her friend to take slow, deep breaths. Judy reminded Britney that it doesn’t feel okay right now, but this will pass. Britney kept breathing and reminding herself “this will pass, this will pass,” while Judy drove her home. That was the plan in case of an anxiety attack - to get Britney home.
When they got together the next week, Britney felt comfortable with Judy and they were happy to see each other again. Judy had allowed Britney to have a voice, express how she truly feels and be safe and respected. As more time went by, Britney showed fewer signs of anxiety and has become more comfortable in community settings.
A great deal of confidence and opportunity can arise from having a friend you can count on in times of distress. Judy is part of a treatment plan that is working for Britney, and the that is priceless medicine to this young girl’s life.
Contact Great Life Mentoring and volunteer in Vancouver WA or volunteer in Portland OR to be the priceless medicine for a child facing adversity.
This Research-Based program will help you be a successful mentor. The secret to a great life begins with you!