Entering the Shadow of Your Teenage Years with Carolyn Sophia Skowron

Deconstructing YOU

For many years, Carolyn Sophia Skowron had silently struggled with depression and anxiety. She also faced challenges in school. No matter how hard she worked or how many tutors she had or how hard she studied, she still did not feel successful. Having depression and anxiety compounded her feelings. She internalized every situation and every interaction.

During her sophomore year in high school, Carolyn found out that she had a learning difference called Non-verbal Learning Disability. When she first discovered she had a "disability," she felt so alone and questioned what was wrong with her. It took her many years to realize her disability is a strength. Through her many struggles, she learned resilience. She found that she could overcome anything. Carolyn wants to share her story of resilience with students to give them hope and a positive outlook.

From a young age, Carolyn struggled with making friends, fitting in, and being her true authentic self. She grew up feeling like she never fit in and was never good enough. She spent most of her life internalizing every situation. She always thought people didn’t like her. What she failed to realize was that part of why she internalized so much was because she had something called Non-verbal Learning Disability (NVLD). Diagnosed in her sophomore year of high school, Carolyn started to get answers, but she still struggled with depression and anxiety. All of the things she has lived through and conquered have built her into who she is today.

In this conversation, Carolyn shares her experiences of high school and how they shaped her sense of self. She discusses the impact of having a nonverbal learning disability (NVLD) and how it made her feel different and isolated. Carolyn also talks about the struggles with anxiety and depression that accompanied her NVLD. She emphasizes the importance of parents listening to their children and validating their feelings, as well as the power of therapy and gratitude in healing and shifting perspectives. Carolyn's journey has led her to use her voice to help others and promote self-love. In this conversation, Carolyn and Elinor discuss Carolyn's journey of overcoming self-doubt and insecurity, her experience with nonverbal learning disability (NLVD), and the importance of authenticity and communication in relationships. Carolyn shares her strategies for building confidence, including exercise, deep breathing, and therapy. She also talks about her book, 'Unbreakable,' which explores mental health and the power of choice. The conversation emphasizes the need for vulnerability, self-awareness, and a supportive community in the process of personal transformation.

Takeaways

• High school experiences can have a lasting impact on a person's sense of self and well-being.

• Having a nonverbal learning disability can make a person feel different and isolated.

• Parents should listen to their children and validate their feelings, rather than dismissing or minimizing them.

• Therapy and practicing gratitude can be powerful tools for healing and shifting perspectives.

• Using one's voice and sharing personal experiences can help others and promote self-love. Building confidence requires shifting mindset and perspective

• Exercise, deep breathing, and therapy can be helpful strategies for building confidence

• Authenticity and open communication are key in relationships

• Vulnerability and self-awareness are important in personal transformation

• A supportive community can play a crucial role in the healing process