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
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
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.
About the Author
Brandsmen
Founder
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