The teenage years can be quite challenging and overwhelming, often leading to feelings of anxiety. By taking into account recent academic research, we can delve deeper into these causes and provide valuable insights and actionable advice to support our youth through these difficult times.

High Expectations

Teenagers are under great pressure to excel academically, socially, and in extracurricular activities in our fast-paced society. Studies suggest that high expectations can lead to significant stress, which in turn contributes to anxiety disorders. As a result, adolescents struggling with these pressures often face the risk of depression, substance dependence, and educational underachievement. Therefore, parents and educators need to create a supportive environment that values effort over perfection.

Hormonal Changes and Brain Development

The teenage years are a critical period for brain development, accompanied by hormonal changes that can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. While the literature directly connecting hormones and brain development to anxiety is sparse, understanding that these biological factors play a role can help in empathizing with the teenage experience. Providing a stable, understanding environment at home can mitigate some of the stressors associated with these changes.

Parental Disapproval

The role of parental influence on teenage anxiety cannot be overstated. A lack of parental warmth or approval can significantly impact a teenager’s mental health. Studies have shown that parental warmth can protect against future anxiety and depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for positive parental engagement.

Peer Pressure

Peer relations play a crucial role in adolescent development. The desire to fit in and be accepted can lead to significant anxiety. High-status peer affiliations can offer some protection against social anxiety, but relational victimization and negative friendships can exacerbate it. Encouraging teenagers to cultivate genuine friendships and avoid toxic relationships is critical.

Substance Use

The relationship between anxiety and substance use is complex. Teenagers may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with anxiety, leading to a cycle of dependence and worsening mental health. Open conversations about the dangers of substance use and healthy coping mechanisms are essential. 

"Approximately 40% of teens have used marijuana in the past year."

Co-occurring Depression

Anxiety and depression often co-occur, creating a challenging cycle of mental health issues for teenagers. Understanding the signs of both conditions and seeking early intervention can prevent the progression of these disorders.

Social Anxiety

For many teenagers, social situations can be a source of intense fear and anxiety. Factors such as low self-compassion and fear of negative evaluation play significant roles in social anxiety. Encouraging self-compassion and resilience can help mitigate these feelings.

Bullying

Bullying is a significant factor in teenage anxiety. Victims of bullying are at risk for mental disorders, including anxiety and depression. Schools and communities must take a proactive stance against bullying to protect vulnerable teenagers.

Self-Image Concerns

In an era dominated by social media, concerns about self-image and appearance can lead to social anxiety and depression. Promoting positive body image and reducing social media pressure are vital steps in supporting teenagers’ mental health.

As a teenager, navigating through the ups and downs of life can be overwhelming. As a concerned parent, educator, or healthcare professional, it’s essential to understand the root causes of teenage anxiety and provide the support and care needed to help young individuals manage their emotions. With early intervention, open communication, and a supportive environment, we can work together to create a safe and understanding space for teenagers to grow and thrive.

Remember, at the Adolescent Wellness Academy, we are here to help and will do everything we can to support you and your loved ones through these turbulent years.

References

  •         Butterfield, R. D., Silk, J., Lee, K. Y., Siegle, G., Dahl, R., Forbes, E., Ryan, N., Hooley, J., & Ladouceur, C. (2020). Parents still matter! Parental warmth predicts adolescent brain function and anxiety and depressive symptoms 2 years later. Development and Psychopathology33, 226-239.
  •         Craske, M., & Stein, M. (2017). Anxiety. The Lancet388, 3048-3059.
  •         Gill, C., Watson, L., Williams, C. J., & Chan, S. W. Y. (2018). Social anxiety and self-compassion in adolescents. Journal of Adolescence69, 163-174.
  •         Kaltiala-Heino, R., Rimpelä, M., Rantanen, P., & Rimpelä, A. (2000). Bullying at school–an indicator of adolescents at risk for mental disorders. Journal of Adolescence23(6), 661-674.
  •         La Greca, A., & Harrison, H. (2005). Adolescent peer relations, friendships, and romantic relationships: Do they predict social anxiety and depression? Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology34, 49-61.
  •         Woodward, L., & Fergusson, D. (2001). Life course outcomes of young people with anxiety disorders in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry40(9), 1086-1093.
  •         Zimmermann, P., Wittchen, H., Höfler, M., Pfister, H., Kessler, R. C., & Lieb, R. (2003). Primary anxiety disorders and the development of subsequent alcohol use disorders: A 4-year community study of adolescents and young adults. Psychological Medicine33, 1211-1222.

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.