Anxiety is an emotion many of us feel at some point in our lives. But for some of us, it can come about for seemingly no reason and last for days, weeks, months, or years. When anxiety is this bad, it may be diagnosed as a disorder. An anxiety disorder can develop at any point in a person’s life, and it’s not uncommon for the first signs to manifest during adolescence. Teens are often in a position where they begin dealing with life’s stressors, and they may not be used to dealing with them. They may become nervous and tense as a result. This article will answer the question, why are teens prone to anxiety and provide suggestions on what you can do if your teen is stressed out.
What are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are characterized by prolonged feelings of anxiety that are difficult to control. There are many types of anxiety disorders, including:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by extended periods of worry and tension. These emotions may be felt even when there is little or nothing to provoke them.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves a person engaging in unhealthy behavior as a way to deal with their anxiety over a specific issue.
Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder that involves episodes of intense fear with symptoms including racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and digestive issues.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by a traumatic event that happened at some point in a person’s life. The person will have nightmares or flashbacks reminding them of the incident.
Social Phobia is anxiety caused by social situations.
What Causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
- Genetics: Anxiety is often caused by a chemical imbalance that can be inherited from a close relative.
- Environment: If you were raised or live in an abusive environment, you might develop an anxiety disorder at some point in your life.
- Personality: Some people have personalities that make them susceptible to anxiety. If they can’t get a grasp on their emotions, it can turn into a disorder.
Why are Teens Prone to Anxiety?
Teens are especially susceptible to anxiety. Teen anxiety can arise because they are dealing with peer pressure, pressure to do well in school, and other factors. They are just coming into adulthood, and they are not used to the adult stresses that are now falling into their laps.
How Does Anxiety Impact Teens?
Anxiety can impact teens in several ways. It can change their eating habits, their sleep habits, and their social habits. It can cause them to be irritable or withdrawn. It can produce sudden mood swings and get in the way of their ability to cope with everyday tasks.
It’s also not unusual for teens to turn to drugs as a way to deal with their anxiety. They may be offered drugs by their friends and find that they help calm them down. If they don’t feel comfortable talking to an adult about their feelings, they may continue using the drug to treat their symptoms. This can turn into a lifelong cycle of addiction.
How to Find Teen Anxiety Treatment in South Florida
If your child is showing symptoms of teen anxiety, it’s important to get help sooner rather than later. If you allow it to get out of control, it can get worse and be more difficult to treat.
There are several facilities that offer anxiety treatment, but if you are looking for one that specializes in teen anxiety in South Florida, the Adolescent Wellness Academy may be your best choice.
AWA has extensive experience dealing with mental health issues and substance abuse in teens. We offer an experienced staff that specializes in working with adolescents. We are familiar with their mindsets, and we have developed the best methods for communication and healing.
The therapy comes in the form of an afterschool program. We offer transport to and from our facility. We will provide your teen with the tools they need to deal with anxiety now and as they grow.
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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