Thanks so much for your inquiry on the ACMH website! I personally do not hear voices but know that many people struggle with this issue. One great resource I have found on this topic that other youth have found helpful is a page on kidshelpline that is dedicated to helping people who are worried about why they are hearing voices and what they might mean.

On their page they share some of the many reasons someone might be hearing voices, examples of what it is like to hear voices; as well as, ideas of things you can do to help when it is happening. They also have an online help chat and phone line. There are also some great links at the bottom of their page that share ideas about how to ask for help if you have questions or concerns about your mental health or want to reach out for help.

That website is great but out of Australia –  so if you are looking to talk to someone in your local area to get more information or in-person support or help please feel free to let me know where you are from and I would be happy to help connect you.

A few other online resources where young people can ask questions or talk about their concerns or get help are also pasted below.

https://turningpointct.org

OK2TALK.org

http://www.crisistextline.org

Also, If you are from Michigan there are a lot of easy to connect to resources that have recently been launched or shared by MDHHS to help support people’s mental health during the coronavirus. You can find all of those resources by clicking here.

Please be sure to let us know if you want additional information or support and thanks again for sharing your question!

This is a great question and something I’ve needed to work on in my life as well! From my personal experience, staying rational during a time of heightened emotions is a skill that takes time, practice, patience, and support. Emotional management can be complicated and you will likely go through some trial and error finding what works best for you. For this reason, I highly recommend working with a mental heath professional in this journey.

By doing this you will have someone who will be able to support you in finding the techniques that work the best for you! Since each person has their own individual strengths, areas for growth, triggers, and needs, you will likely need to explore a variety of different skills and tools. You can prepare, practice, and discuss what worked and what did not with your support person so that you can make adjustments.

I know from personal experience that this process can be very frustrating at times and you might not see progress as quickly as you would like. Which is why I want to encourage you to be compassionate and patient with yourself with the knowledge that while there are bumps in the road, you are learning and growing!

Feeling angry is common among people with mental health challenges or trauma. First, consider working with a therapist to find the root cause of your anger and work on relieving it. I have always found it helpful to have a “toolbox” of ideas that I can do when I start feeling angry, anxious, or sad. I even have my ideas written down so that when my mind is filled with strong emotion, I don’t have to worry about brainstorming how to deal.

Here are some things that I have in my tool box that I’d like to share with you:

• When people think of meditation, they think of clearing their mind of all thoughts. For someone with a lot of angry, depressed and anxious thoughts that won’t go away, that sounds impossible. Meditation is actually about finding peace from intrusive thoughts and remaining in the present moment by watching thoughts pass by and focusing on something with intention. If this sounds like it may be helpful for you, YouTube has many guided relaxation and meditation videos.
• Sometimes sweating it out can help you to connect to your body and bring your thoughts into the “now.” This one can be really difficult for me to find the motivation to do, but even doing stretches gets your muscles moving, and can fight back some negativity.
• Writing in my journal has been a life saver many times. I’ve noticed a pattern when I journal. I start out feeling bad, and the emotions get bigger and bigger, and then slowly melt away. I’m letting out that negative energy onto the paper. Sometimes it’s important to focus on the emotions, when you have a way to release them.
• On the other side of paying attention to your feelings, sometimes you just need a distraction from them, and that is okay. I play video games, read, and take relaxing baths. Just be sure that your distraction activity doesn’t turn into avoidance.

What are some things that may help you when you first start feeling explosive thoughts that you can do before you get to the “blow up” point?