Anxiety is a problem that millions of people around the world face, and that is especially prevalent among teenagers. Unfortunately, teens and even younger kids can often experience a lot of anxiety without having the words to name what they are experiencing or the tools to manage them. This means that they need effective materials that talk to teens in their language and to kids in a way that is accessible to them and helps them understand the issue. Lateefat Odunuga brings a compelling story that does just that and is sure to provide a great read for kids of different ages.
Lateefat is a mental health specialist and an independent youth consultant working in the United States. She has over ten years of experience in her field, as well as working as a researcher and in the area of youth policy. In addition, she was a psychology lecturer at a college level and is a Certified Psychological Autopsy Investigator, which adds to her unique expertise.
The book Zuri’s Quest: Managing Anxiety offers a great first approach for young readers and a great option for family reading time. It provides a story that is sure to be relatable and has some heartwarming and charming moments, as well as an uplifting tale that is sure to inspire readers to face their own issues and speak up.
Zuri’s Quest follows Zuri, who is facing some unpleasant bullies who are undermining her confidence and making her time at school and performance more difficult. But then she finds in her mother’s advice and supports a way to confront her anxiety. In addition to the story, the book includes actionable tips for managing anxiety that readers can apply in their daily life easily. It might even teach a few useful tips to the parents and teachers who can use it as a resource.
The book combines an engaging and emotionally honest story with a practical, evidence-based approach to managing anxiety, the most common negative experience in regards to emotions in young people and also adults. Odunuga offers a narrative that makes the explanations easy to understand and the concepts memorable, so any reader can understand and engage with the story. It provides good material to discuss and explore, as well as great support for mental health professionals, families, and teachers, as well as for kids who enjoy reading.
It is essential to make the topic of anxiety more accessible to kids and teens. Zuri’s Quest is a great resource with a fun story with memorable characters and a lot of useful information that is sure to stay with the reader, such as an exploration of what anxiety is, how to manage it, and a lot of inspiration from Zuri’s story. It even provides famous role models who have overcome anxiety and who help Zuri, as well as the reader!
You can find the book in digital and printed formats. Make sure to stay tuned for more releases from Lateefat, who brings her expertise to create powerful stories that double as educational resources.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Lateefat Odunuga. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Hi Lateefat, Great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about yourself.
Hi, I am a mental health specialist and independent youth consultant based in the United States. I have over ten years of experience in mental health, research, and youth policy. I am also a Certified Psychological Autopsy Investigator. I have also taught psychology classes as a lecturer at the college level.
Please tell us about your book, Zuri’s Quest: Managing Anxiety.
Zuri’s Quest is the story of a young girl who encountered bullying in school after being selected as the main character of a school play. Zuri developed anxiety over time due to not being able to handle stressors at school.
Please share with our readers about your journey.
Within my years of clinical practice, I have witnessed children being sent from school to the Emergency room requesting psychiatric evaluation due to unusual behavioral dispositions emanating from anxiety-related issues. I do also know that there is a paucity of parsimonious resources that is age-friendly that addresses such issues. This is why I have decided to initiate an educational platform via storytelling to help address mental health issues in a subtle form.
I grew up in Africa, Nigeria to be precise, where we have less than 200 psychiatrists in the entire country. Educating young people on mental health is a national priority that requires an immediate call to action.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Persistence and Resilience are the strategies I adopt.
Any message for our readers.
I do encourage all readers to gift a copy to their child or relatives.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can follow me on Instagram @thereallateefat and @zurisquest.
Thank you so much, Lateefat, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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