Anxiety is a pretty common disorder nowadays that often goes untreated.
Any generation may experience feelings of anxiety—especially teenagers.
According to The National Institute of Mental Health, one out of three adolescents between 13 and 19 have a form of anxiety disorder.
Recognizing the symptoms characteristic of anxiety in your teen is crucial.
Once you notice the signs, you need to act promptly and help your child deal with their emotions in a way it is necessary.
Anxiety disorder belongs in the group of treatable conditions, and getting the appropriate therapy can minimize symptoms and help your teenager navigate coming of age with ease.
To learn how to recognize the signs of anxiety and best support your teen, stay with us and keep reading!
Signs of Anxiety in Teenagers
During teenagehood, the body undergoes hormonal changes, and the education process itself can put an additional strain on your teenager, leading to mental health problems—anxiety included.
If not treated, anxiety can become potent enough to drain teens’ energy and even negatively impact their social life.
During the teenage period, both girls and boys are more sensitive and often seek validation from their peers or ask themselves what the people around them think of them.
These questions often stop teens from talking about mental health and, more importantly, stop them from seeking advice and solutions for their troubles.
Sometimes, it can help to put ourselves in their shoes and observe the possible signs resulting from anxiousness.
Additionally, this will benefit you in providing the proper support for your teenager to brave through the difficult period they face.
Symptoms and signs typical of anxiety disorder in a teen include:
- Lack of interest in activities they used to prioritize;
- Low mood that usually lasts for more than a few weeks;
- Academic performance that radically dropped for no reason;
- Constant feelings of tiredness;
- Problems with concentrating at school and home;
- Inability to relax and let go;
- Reduced communication with family and friends.
Anxiety also causes physical signs that require just as much of your attention. Physical representations of anxiousness include:
- Rapid breathing;
- Increased heart rate;
- Insomnia;
- Nightmares or bed-wetting
How to Help Your Teenager if They Have Anxiety
We went over the top signs hinting at anxiety. Now, it’s time to explore the best ways to help your child navigate them:
1. Talk to Your Teen About their Thoughts and Feelings
When your teen starts opening up to you and reveals their plans, school achievements, daily tasks, or relationships with their friends and classmates, do your best to find out how they see things and feel about them.
Anxiety works the same for most adolescents, and you must learn how to read the conversation with your teens properly.
Pay special attention when they talk about the things and events they have going on, as such information can give you insight into how they feel and face their daily struggles.
Discussion can also say a lot about teens’ relationships with teachers and how they envision themselves.
2. Instead of Punishing Them, Give Them Space
If you notice that your son or daughter-teenager behaves poorly at school or you find out they hid something huge from you, you should stay calm so as not to trigger their anxiety further.
Remember that punishing your teen or fiercely responding can make things worse.
Instead, your teenager may become more introverted and start concealing their feelings.
You won’t benefit from that as well, as you won’t be able to find the root of their mental health problems and the key to solving the complication in the long term.
Respond kindly to make your teen feel comfortable talking to you and give them space to think about their concerns.
That can help you stay watchful of all the changes related to your child’s personality or eating and sleeping patterns, successfully avoiding sabotaging your relationship and the fight against anxiety.
3. Encourage Teens to Take Good Care of Their Physical Health
Mental and physical health go hand in hand, and in case an adolescent doesn’t get enough sleep, nutrients, and physical activity, their anxiety symptoms may quickly escalate.
Implementing a healthy lifestyle can improve teenagers’ mental health problems, such as anxiety.
The human brain releases endorphins during physical activities, also known as the ‘happy’ hormone, to trigger positive feelings and reduce anxiousness.
Professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, encouraging teens to join a sports team or group to boost their social life.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a modern disorder that can strike anyone, no matter their age or socioeconomic status.
Parents and teachers must be very cautious to recognize the anxiety symptoms in teenagers on time to intervene immediately and help them resolve their problems with ease.
After all, good mental health is the key to a joyful teen!
Currently residing in Arizona, John shares his home with two beloved pets - a very cute dog and a cat. Although they don't always see eye-to-eye, John's furry companions bring him joy and inspiration, serving as a constant reminder of the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships.
With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, John is a true asset to the counselingreviews.com team. Whether he's writing about the latest research on mental health or offering practical advice for managing stress, John's expertise and insight are always in high demand.
If you're looking for well-researched and informative content that can help you improve your mental and emotional well-being, be sure to check out John's articles on counselingreviews.com. His writing is sure to provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to overcome life's challenges and achieve your goals.
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