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Teens are going through a sensitive stage of development, marked by rapid changes happening in the body and brain that can make them more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems that teens struggle with. Recognizing the warning signs of anxiety in teens is important for parents to provide intervention and get them the right support.
What Causes Anxiety in Teens?
During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex of the brain is still developing. This region of the brain controls emotional regulation, stress tolerance, reasoning skills and decision-making.
This time in development can make teens more sensitive to external stressors and susceptible to underlying mental health problems such as anxiety.
Outside stressors such as academics, strained relationships with peers, or trauma can heighten anxiety in teens. Some other causes of anxiety in teens include:
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Home environment filled with conflict or instability
- Being in an abusive relationship or friendship
- Academic pressure
- Drug use
Why Are So Many Teens Suffering From Anxiety Today?
Besides the typical causes of anxiety, teens added pressure of a fast-paced digital world. Social media, hypersexuality, and changing economics have put teens in a place where they face new challenges.
Social media plays a large role in the lives of today’s teens. They are more digitally connected than ever, which does have some benefits such as staying in touch with friends and loved ones. However, it can also impact self-esteem if teens are constantly comparing themselves with others online.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Anxiety in Teens
It’s important for parents to be aware of red flags that could indicate their teens are struggling with anxiety. Some common warning signs include:
- Excessive worrying, nervousness and tension
- Avoiding certain situations or events that may trigger anxiety
- Increased heart rate or breathing
- Dizziness or blurry vision
- Frequent stomach aches, headaches or joint pain
- Decline in academic performance
- Social isolation
- Aggression or irritability
- Drug or alcohol use
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
How To Help Teens With Anxiety
Understanding the signs of anxiety is the most important first step in supporting your teen. Being an empathetic ear and listening carefully can go a long way for teens to feel heard, validated and supported.
Some other tips for parents to support their teens struggling with anxiety include:
- Actively listening and validating their emotions to build an open line of trust. If your teen comes to you about anxiety, take their mental health seriously. Many times teens with anxiety cannot simply “calm down”
- Share your own struggles so your teen feels less alone. Think back to when you were a teen and had some of your own stress. This can make it easier for your teen to open up and feel connected
- Create a tool box for your teen to use when they are anxious. These are items that help keep your teen grounded. It could include coloring books, a stress ball, lavender oil, fidget toys, a stuffed animal or blanket that provides comfort and a water bottle to stay hydrated
- Find activities that promote mindfulness in the home. Some could be activities that the two of you could enjoy together. Examples include going on a walk, cooking together, arts and craft projects, hiking, or yoga
Treatment Available For Teens With Anxiety
Help is available for teens suffering from anxiety. Let your teen know it is okay to receive treatment. This can reduce stigma and help them build positive coping skills. Some common treatments available to help manage anxiety in teens include:
- CBT helps teens tackle their anxiety head-on. It can teach them to break negative thought loops, make positive coping skills and set goals
- Medications can help manage symptoms of anxiety. These may include SSRI antidepressants or anti-anxiety meds
- Group therapy for teens can help them connect with others who may be experiencing similar problems. This is a great way for teens to share experiences and learn new coping skills for their anxiety from each other
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of an anxiety disorder in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of mental health disorders in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
State of Mental Health in America Youth Data. 2023. Mental Health America.
The Teen Brain. National Institute of Mental Health.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Anxiety Disorders in Youth: Coping with Stress, Worry, and Recovering from a Pandemic. National Library of Medicine.
Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Leslie approaches clinical work through the lens of person-centered and utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. As a leader, Leslie values the relationship she has with her clinical team and prioritizes their needs for the success of the girls’ campus. When not at work Leslie enjoys volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and fur baby, Sabel.
