The teenage anxiety epidemic
Supporting Teens in Crisis
Anxiety among teens is a growing issue, with rates increasing dramatically in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, one in four teens are affected by anxiety and this number is expected to increase even further due to the after-effects of the global pandemic. This means that for parents, families and professionals alike, learning how to manage and support this vulnerable population with good mental health strategies and practices is imperative. In this post, we will discuss the causes of anxiety in teens, techniques for managing anxiety, and what parents and families can do to help a teen with anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety in Teens
Anxiety is caused by a variety of factors including genetics, life events or changes, social or family environments and physical health issues. For many teens, social media use has been linked to higher levels of both stress and depression. Research conducted by Dr. Alison Benson at the University of Illinois found that “social media use leads teens to compare themselves unfavourably with their peers” which can lead to feelings of inferiority or inadequacy that can fuel anxiety.
Signs your teen may be struggling
There are a number of signs that your teenager may be struggling with anxiety. Here are some common indicators:
1. Excessive worry or fear: Your teenager may worry excessively about things that seem minor to others, such as school work or social situations.
2. Avoidance: They may try to avoid certain situations that trigger anxiety, such as social events or school.
3. Physical symptoms: Anxiety can manifest physically, such as stomachaches, headaches, rapid heartbeat, or trouble sleeping.
4. Irritability: Anxiety can make people feel on edge or easily irritated.
5. Perfectionism: They may feel pressure to perform perfectly, especially in academic or extracurricular activities.
6. Changes in appetite: Anxiety can lead to changes in appetite, such as overeating or not eating enough.
7. Negative self-talk: Your teenager may be overly critical of themselves, have negative self-talk, or experience low self-esteem.
It's important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that your teenager has anxiety, but if you are concerned, it's best to talk to them and seek professional help if necessary.
Supporting a Teen With Anxiety
Luckily there are ways we can help our teens manage their anxiety before it spirals out of control. Psychotherapy provides an invaluable tool for helping teens understand their emotions and develop healthy coping skills such as relaxation techniques or cognitive reframing exercises. Other methods for managing anxiety include regular exercise, mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation, journaling and other forms of creative expression like drawing or music.
Parents and families play an important role in supporting a teen with anxiety. It’s important for them to provide reassurance as well as create an environment where open communication about feelings is encouraged. Parents should also be aware of any triggers that may cause their teen distress such as bullying at school or feeling overwhelmed with school work so they can intervene accordingly if needed. Finally parents should make sure their teen has access to professional help if needed—talking through problems with a therapist may be beneficial in the long-term management of anxiety symptoms and help our teens develop resilience in the face of adversity.
…….Read more about signs and symptoms of anxiety.
References:
World Health Organization. (2019). Adolescent mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
Benson, A. L., Karlovec, J. A., & Way, B. M. (2018). Does social media increase anxiety? Anxiety disorders and the role of social media use in adolescence. Journal of Adolescence, 68, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.06.004