Teenage Anxiety

Signs of teenage anxiety include a performance dip in school, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, noticeable drop in social interactions, and avoiding people, places and things that trigger anxious feelings. Furthermore, physical symptoms of anxiety can include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, loss of appetite, or other eating disturbances. Moreover, substance use disorder is also linked with anxiety disorders in adolescence, as teens are more likely to use drugs and alcohol as forms of self-medication.

It’s helpful for parents and other adults to know how to help a teenager with anxiety and depression. Normal levels of anxiety in teens can often be alleviated by better sleep habits and nutrition, compassionate conversations with family and peers, time spent unplugged in nature, and mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation. However, professional help is essential for young people suffering from teen anxiety disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and experiential therapies are all effective in helping teens recover from an anxiety disorder.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health