In my work with adult children of immigrants, particularly with eldest daughters, something that I often hear about is anger. I hear numerous times about how “out of control” they feel whenever they are anger. Often, they paint their anger as this monster that appears out of nowhere, causing havoc and strife to themselves and the people around them.  Their anger can show up anywhere from inner bitterness all the way to screaming rage. However, once this “monster” subsides, my clients immediately find themselves encapsulated by shame and guilt.  

At Space to Reflect, working with teens is one of our specialties., We’ve come to recognize that while the symptoms of anxiety and depression might have certain universal threads, the lived experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) teens can introduce unique manifestations and triggers. Understanding these nuances is crucial in providing targeted and effective therapeutic interventions.

With the start of the semester underway, it’s important to be able to manage our own expectations as students of color. This can be done through self-kindness, setting realistic goals and being transparent with your parents.