What’s the deal with teens and anxiety??
Written by Aly Resnick, LPC, LMHC, ACS, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tree of Life Counseling Center.
Anxiety. Unlike many other mental health challenges, this one we can all probably relate to in some way. We’ve all felt anxious at one time or another. For instance, if you’re standing in the middle of the road and a truck comes barreling towards you at 85 mph… You’re probably going to feel anxious. That’s a good thing! Anxiety is actually a very natural human response we feel when our bodies and minds sense that we are under threat in some way. But for many people, anxiety has become a serious struggle. Our body gets confused, believing we are under threat when we are not. This can lead to a whole bunch of potentially scary symptoms and diagnoses such as: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and others. That’s the bad news.
The good news?
If you are struggling with anxiety, you are not alone. Millions of Americans experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and those numbers only increase when we’re talking about teenagers. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 31.9% of American adolescents have an anxiety disorder. This is due in part to the many changes and challenges teens face as they navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. Anxiety can affect a teen's school performance, social life, and overall well-being, making it important for parents, caregivers, and educators to understand the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teens and how to best support them.
One of the most significant ways that anxiety can impact teens is through their school performance. Teens with anxiety may struggle with concentration and memory, making it difficult for them to complete assignments and participate in class. They may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches, which can further disrupt their ability to focus and learn. Additionally, teens with anxiety may be more likely to miss school, which can lead to falling behind and a negative impact on their grades.
Anxiety can also have a significant impact on a teen's social life. Teens with anxiety may be more prone to social isolation and withdrawing from friends and activities. They may also struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence, which can make it difficult for them to initiate and maintain friendships. Additionally, teens with anxiety may be more prone to bullying and victimization by their peers, which can further exacerbate their feelings of isolation and low self-worth.
Given the potential impact of anxiety on teens, it is essential for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety, and to take steps to intentionally support teens who may be struggling with this mental health condition. This may include providing emotional support, encouraging teens to seek professional help, and working with schools and other community organizations to provide resources and support for teens with anxiety. Additionally, it is important for parents, caregivers, and educators to model healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness, meditation and encouraging physical activities.
Anxiety can have a significant impact on teens and their ability to succeed in school and in their social lives. By understanding the signs and symptoms of anxiety and taking steps to support teens who may be struggling with this condition, parents, caregivers, and educators can help teens to overcome their anxiety and thrive. Let’s partner together to do the best we can for our adolescents! You can always reach out to Tree of Life Counseling Center to set up a time to meet with a licensed mental health professional to learn more.
NOTICE TO USERS The Tree of Life Blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on this blog.