When my son started struggling with anxiety and insomnia in his teens, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Traditional therapy helped, but we also explored alternative treatments, including medical marijuana, which opened up a path we hadn’t considered before. It wasn’t a quick fix—there were hard conversations, trial and error, and moments where I wasn’t sure we were doing the right thing. But by staying curious and connected, we found tools that worked for him, not just what was expected. I also leaned into community, reading everything I could, talking to other parents, and reminding myself to listen more than I talked. Now, years later, my son is thriving—he’s independent, working, volunteering, and learning how to care for himself. Through all of it, I’ve learned that parenting a child with anxiety takes creativity, patience, and a lot of love. If you're feeling stuck or unsure how to support your teen, especially if you're thinking outside the box, I’d love to share what helped us.