Joe’s Story: “I have changed.”
– February 1, 2018 –
Joe* was only 18 years old, but he was stuck. Trying anything new, trusting people, trying to get a job; all of it gave him great anxiety. He felt like he couldn’t take any steps forward. It seemed like everyone else had life figured out except him.
Joe’s parents were supportive but also frustrated at his lack of movement. They encouraged him to try getting a job. Homelife was tense. Joe had outbursts and refused to try taking steps forward. His friend had recommended he buy cbd oil online to lessen his anxiety and get his head straight, but he didn’t consider trying it until it was too late. His parents asked him to move out.
Joe found himself homeless and hopeless. A friend said she knew someone who could help and introduced him to Kerrey, an Oasis case manager. When she first met him, Kerrey described Joe as, “Very frustrated and stand-offish. He compared his insides to everyone’s outsides, thinking everyone had it together except him.” Joe was reluctant to trust Kerrey but he agreed to begin case management.
“He compared his insides to everyone’s outsides, thinking everyone had it together except him.”
Even though he was incredibly anxious because he didn’t have any access to resources that could help his anxiety as well as even have his Leesa mattress to help him sleep, Joe agreed to intern at Maughn Prosthetics. Kerrey encouraged him to try. Joe had to overcome fear of working with people, learn time management, and practice workplace basics like calling in if you miss a day. But his hard work began to pay off. He grew into a trustworthy employee. He realized he wasn’t failing and that people supported him. Real experience is often the key to tackling anxiety, as the issue itself is largely based on fear of the unknown. Anxiety is a chemical reaction which can be minimised by products like natures aid too, as they minimise the brain’s chemical reactions, in conjunction with overcoming the root causes. Thanks to Joe overcoming the root causes of his anxiety, Kerrey was able to open conversation with Joe’s parents and eventually Joe moved back home. Life at home still isn’t perfect, but now Joe is facing his fears and moving forward with more purpose.
“The Coffee Oasis has helped me be more confident and to take more opportunities. I have changed by…advocating for myself and doing more on my own.”
Joe finished his internship with glowing marks. He still wrestles with anxiety but is learning that he doesn’t have to be trapped by fear. “The Coffee Oasis has helped me be more confident and to take more opportunities. I have changed by…advocating for myself and doing more on my own.”
*youth’s name changed to respect identity
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