You Can Handle It: This 18-Year-Old Cracked the Code on Anxiety (and So Can You) | The Mel Robbins Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” Mel Robbins interviews Oakley, an 18-year-old who has cracked the code on anxiety. Oakley shares insights and strategies for managing anxiety and building confidence, drawing from personal experiences of overcoming bullying, dyslexia, and struggles in school and life. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the college search process or an adult facing anxiety, Oakley’s wisdom and advice can help you handle it.

Main Takeaways

Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

• Oakley’s insights on anxiety and confidence have helped listeners of all ages.
• Spending time alone allows for introspection and self-reflection.
• Learning to appreciate where you are right now is important in any situation where you feel pressure to achieve something.
• Setting boundaries is important for maintaining healthy relationships.
• Respecting others’ privacy is a key aspect of showing respect.
• Open communication is essential for building trust.
• Parents can promote safe and responsible alcohol use by having open conversations with their children.
• When considering breaking up with someone, prioritize your own happiness.
• Surround yourself with people who hype you up and make you feel good about yourself.
• Trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone can help you grow and become more confident.

Navigating the College Search Process

• Managing stress during the college search process can be applied to any situation where one feels pressure to achieve something.
• The college search process can be stressful, but it’s important to take a step back and appreciate where you are now.
• Your life won’t be ruined if you don’t get into your dream college, and the college you end up going to could still be great.
• Don’t have a mindset that your whole life depends on getting into a certain college.

Supporting Others and Building Relationships

• If someone you love cares about something, give them space and show them you care about them in other ways.
• When going through a divorce, be honest with your kids that you’re unhappy but reassure them that it’s not their fault.
• Take your children’s needs and suggestions into account during a divorce.
• Establish boundaries that create a respectful and trusting relationship with your children.
• Respect your children’s personal space, knock before entering their room.
• Parents can promote safe and responsible alcohol use by having open conversations with their children.
• If you feel like your parents are playing favorites, have a conversation with them and come with specific examples of scenarios and how it made you feel.

Tackling Puberty and Building Confidence

• Confidence can be affected by puberty, but it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique qualities and strengths.
• Theater and drama clubs can be great ways to boost confidence and come out of your shell.
• Trying new things and stepping out of your comfort zone can help you grow and become more confident.

Tips for Dealing with Anxiety

• The best way to support someone with anxiety is to be there for them as a listening ear and a rock to lean on.
• Tips for dealing with anxiety include grounding techniques like sitting and planting your feet, taking deep breaths, and imagining mentors across a table.
• Exercise can make you feel connected to people when you’re anxious and feel alone.
• Mentors can be real or fictional characters that you look up to for guidance and wisdom.

Summary

Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Oakley’s insights on anxiety and confidence have helped listeners of all ages. By spending time alone, individuals can engage in introspection and self-reflection, fostering personal growth. Learning to appreciate one’s current situation and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships. Respecting others’ privacy and promoting open communication are essential for building trust. Parents can play a role in promoting safe and responsible alcohol use by having open conversations with their children. Ultimately, trying new things and stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to personal growth and increased confidence.

Navigating the College Search Process

Managing stress during the college search process is applicable to any situation where one feels pressure to achieve something. It’s important to take a step back and appreciate one’s current circumstances, realizing that not getting into a dream college won’t ruin one’s life. Avoiding a mindset that one’s entire life depends on getting into a specific college is crucial for maintaining perspective and mental well-being.

Supporting Others and Building Relationships

Supporting loved ones involves giving them space and showing care through alternative means. During a divorce, it’s essential to be honest with children about one’s unhappiness while reassuring them that it’s not their fault. Establishing boundaries and respecting children’s personal space fosters a respectful and trusting relationship. Open communication about safe and responsible alcohol use is important for parents. If favoritism is perceived, having a conversation with parents and providing specific examples can address the issue.

Tackling Puberty and Building Confidence

Puberty can affect confidence, but it’s important to recognize that everyone has unique qualities and strengths. Joining theater and drama clubs can boost confidence and help individuals come out of their shells. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and trying new things can foster personal growth and increased confidence.

Tips for Dealing with Anxiety

Supporting someone with anxiety involves being a listening ear and a source of support. Grounding techniques such as sitting and planting feet, taking deep breaths, and imagining mentors across a table can help manage anxiety. Exercise can provide a sense of connection and alleviate feelings of loneliness. Mentors, whether real or fictional, can offer guidance and wisdom.

Conclusion

Oakley’s journey of overcoming anxiety and building confidence serves as an inspiration for listeners of all ages. By implementing strategies such as self-reflection, setting boundaries, and promoting open communication, individuals can navigate challenging situations and foster personal growth. Remember, everyone has their own unique qualities and strengths, and it’s essential to prioritize self-care and mental well-being.