Growing up is hard to do, whatever your gender. But in this specific cultural moment, there is no denying that we are being forced to take a long, hard, collective look at our toxic treatment of women?right down to how we rear young girls. According to recent statistics, girls are disproportionately more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than boys. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, almost half of girls in Ontario said they were experiencing moderate to severe ?psychological distress? by the time they reach high school.
In her new book, Under Pressure, clinical psychologist Lisa Damour asks why anxiety in girls is so rampant, taking a fine-toothed comb to various aspects of their lives?home, school, friendships (IRL and online) with girls and boys?to expose underlying sources of stress and the role it plays in the women they?re becoming. Here, she discusses early warning signs, the transgressive power of girls? worries, and when a bit of anxiety can be a very good thing. TP: Why focus on girls in your book"
Lisa Damour: For one, girls are at the centre of my practice. And the rates of anxiety in girls are two to three times higher than boys. But the book also gave me a chance to explore the stresses that are unique to girls?they deal with different pressures, particularly in the sexual or romantic world. Our culture holds a very different standard for their appearances. Girls are also tremendously ambitious these days, but we have not found ...