Tips for Helping Teens With Anxiety

Today, many teens deal with stress. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), teens have been under more stress now than ever. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can help teens deal with situations that are overwhelming or tense. From final exams and public speaking to social and romantic relationships and extracurricular activities, there are many aspects of teenage life that can be overwhelming and cause feelings of uneasiness.  But sometimes what may seem like normal teen struggles can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. If you know a teen who you suspect is battling anxiety, learning about symptoms and suggestions for helping teens with anxiety is a great first step. 

Anxiety Explained

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress in a normal person. It is often accompanied by feelings of fear or apprehension in reaction to a perceived threat. Although anxiety is a normal response in some people, if a person’s feelings of anxiety are extreme, interfere with his or her life, and last longer than six months, an anxiety disorder may be at hand. Anxiety disorder symptoms can vary from person to person. Feelings may range from a racing heart or butterflies in your stomach to excessive fear or feeling like you are out of control. It is important to understand the symptoms of anxiety for the purpose of helping teens with anxiety. Other symptoms of anxiety may include:
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Rapid breathing
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restlessness 
  • Panic attacks
  • Isolation
There are several different types of anxiety disorders that teens may experience, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder.

How Anxiety Affects Teenagers

Anxiety in teens often hums along like background noise due to the struggles most teenagers face. For some, anxiety is a chronic state that interferes with their ability to function overall in life. Anxiety can affect teens emotionally, physically, academically, and socially.  Some teens who battle anxiety express frequent feelings of worry while others may experience emotional changes such as irritability, restlessness, feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating and may have unexplained outbursts. Many of the physical effects of anxiety in teens can increase as they get older. It is important for those interested in helping teens with anxiety to watch for patterns. If a teen has a headache here or there, it may not be cause for concern but if he or she has frequent headaches, it can be something to mention to your teen’s doctor. Other psychosomatic complaints of teens with anxiety may include:
  • Stomach problems
  • Frequent headaches and/or migraines
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Unexplained aches and pains
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Complaints of not feeling well without any other obvious medical issue
Social changes in teens with anxiety are also something to keep in mind. If your teen suddenly begins avoiding activities he once loved or has friendships that are recently negatively affected, an anxiety disorder may be an issue. If he avoids social interactions or seems isolated from his peer group, he may be in need of help. Poor academic performance is another marker for anxiety in teens. If your teen has experienced a significant jump in grades (typically downward), feelings of being overwhelmed by his workload have frequently missed assignments, and/or procrastinates on or has a hard time concentrating on schoolwork, these are signs of an anxiety disorder.

Helping Your Teen With Anxiety

In addition to seeking professional help for your teen’s anxiety, you can help too. First, you can acknowledge his or her fear – do not ignore or dismiss it. Take his feelings seriously. Also, try to not make a fuss if your teen avoids situations due to anxiety. Let him know you believe he will be able to better manage his feelings by taking things one step at a time. Offer affection by regularly telling him you love him and offer hugs if he is receptive. Let him know you are there for him whenever he feels anxious.  It might also be difficult for you to talk to your child’s anxiety, but by talking about the topic with your teen, you are opening the door of communication while giving them permission to talk with you.

Teen Mental Health Treatment in South Florida – AWA

At Adolescent Wellness Academy, a teen mental health treatment center located in South Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of guiding our loved ones, especially adolescents, towards recovery from mental health challenges.

Recognizing the delicate nature of this journey, we are committed to offering compassionate, specialized care even in situations where individuals may be hesitant to seek help.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment that fosters healing and growth through our tailored programs:

  • Day Therapeutic Program: A structured daytime treatment offering therapeutic support and education that integrates seamlessly with the adolescent’s daily life.
  • After-School Program: An innovative approach that provides therapeutic activities and supports post-school hours, allowing teens to continue their education while receiving the care they need.

When you join our therapy or afterschool programs, you enter a caring and non-judgmental community. This support network involves teens, their families, peers, and our team.

Our team of clinicians, alumni, and other parents are here to offer invaluable assistance. Parent Support Groups (PSG) and assessments ensure that the support is tailored to each family’s needs. Contact us today for more information about teen mental health at 1-866-548-8677 or visit our locations in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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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.