What Are the Signs of Anxiety and Depression in the Classroom?

Young people face many obstacles as they enter their teenage years. As their brains and bodies develop dramatically, teenagers also have greater expectations placed on them—especially in the classroom. The pressure to be at the top of the class means everything, from scholarships to being accepted at the top universities. Due to this increased pressure, it is no surprise that many teens feel tremendous amounts of anxiety and depression in the classroom.

This article will discuss teen anxiety and teen depression, its signs and symptoms, and where you can find professional treatment for student anxiety. Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA) is a top-tier teen mental illness and substance abuse treatment facility. Our evidence-based programs are designed specifically for the unique needs of teens. Call AWA today and help your teen overcome depression and anxiety in the classroom and thrive!

HOW COMMON IS TEEN DEPRESSION AND TEEN ANXIETY?

When discussing student anxiety and student depression, you may be shocked to learn that both mental illnesses are common in teenagers. Studies show anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue affecting teenagers. Nearly 1 in 3 adolescents will meet the criteria for some form of anxiety disorder by age 18. Regarding teen depression, both depression and bipolar disorder affect 14.3% of youth aged 13-17.

Regarding gender differences, data states that adolescent girls are more than twice as likely to experience depression than boys, 15.9% vs 7.7%. Additionally, there are anxiety and mood disorders that are more prevalent in adolescent girls than boys:

  • Social phobia: 11.2% females, 7.0% males
  • Specific phobia: 22.1% females, 16.7% males
  • Panic disorder: 2.6% females, 2.0% males
  • PTSD: 8.0% females, 2.3% males
  • Separation anxiety: 9.0% females, 6.3% males

WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN TEENS?

There is no one overriding factor that causes student anxiety and student depression. These conditions are a result of a multitude of factors. One factor is a family history of depression and anxiety or having family members currently struggling with either disorder. Another major factor is the teen’s environment and the presence of abuse, neglect, poverty, and bullying in their lives. Thirdly, teens are more vulnerable to stress and anxiety because of the rapid growth and evolution of the brain and brain structure.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN THE CLASSROOM?

Spotting the signs of depression and anxiety in the classroom can be difficult. As stated, teenagers undergo massive transformations in both body and the brain. As a result, they have difficulty coming to terms with these newfound feelings. It is common for many teens to act out and become moody. However, there is a line between “a teen just being a teen” and them experiencing anxiety or mood disorder. The following are common signs of student anxiety:

  • Increased restlessness and lashing out
  • Stops hanging out with friends and engaging in activities
  • Dizziness and sweating
  • Problems sleeping
  • Poor school performance
  • Increased panic attacks
  • Refusing to go to school and increased truancy
  • Obsessed with perfection

The following are common signs of student depression:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Constant feelings of not measuring up to classmates
  • Eating issues
  • Low energy
  • Difficulty remembering things
  • No motivation to do anything
  • Suicidal thoughts and ideation
  • Isolating or avoiding friends

It is essential to see these signs as soon as possible. Early detection of teen anxiety and teen depression allows you to find the proper treatment and support for your son or daughter.

IS YOUR TEEN STRUGGLING WITH STUDENT ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION?

Teen anxiety and depression are more than “growing pains” or a “case of the blues.” If left unchecked, these serious conditions can affect your teen’s long-term mental and physical health. AWA is a premier teen treatment facility that will provide the tools and support needed to help your teen grow and flourish. Our evidence-based mental health and substance abuse programs are designed to meet your teen’s unique and specific needs. These programs are offered after the school day and provide the support needed to help your teen overcome anxiety and depression in the classroom.

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.