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Anxiety is a common emotion experienced by everyone, but when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can be cause for concern. As a parent of a teenager, it’s important to recognise the signs of anxiety and related disorders that may affect your child's well-being.
During adolescence, teenagers face numerous changes and uncertainties, which can make anxiety a constant presence in their lives. Some teenagers may struggle with more severe forms of anxiety, which can interfere with their ability to perform in school, form and maintain friendships, and build healthy family relationships. Anxiety can manifest as a general feeling of unease or escalate into more intense symptoms such as panic attacks or phobias.
Signs of Anxiety in Teenagers
Recognising anxiety in teenagers can be challenging, as it often shows up in different ways. Common signs include excessive worry, irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue are also common. Additionally, teenagers may avoid social situations, experience sudden mood swings, or have trouble sleeping. It's crucial for parents to notice these behaviours and understand that they could indicate an anxiety disorder rather than typical teenage moodiness.
Different Types of Anxiety
Anxiety come in various forms, each with distinct characteristics:
Generalised Anxiety (GAD): Chronic and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, such as academic performance or future events.
Panic: Typically emerging during adolescence, panic disorder involves sudden and intense episodes of panic, often accompanied by symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Phobias: Irrational and exaggerated fears related to specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals, or social settings, which can severely limit a teenager's activities.
Social Anxiety: Fear of social situations and being judged or embarrassed in public, causing avoidance of interactions and difficulties in forming friendships.
Causes and Consequences of Anxiety in Teenagers
There are several factors that contribute to anxiety in teenagers, including genetic predispositions, family environment, and personal experiences. Events like bullying, trauma, or family conflicts can also trigger or worsen anxiety disorders.
Untreated anxiety can lead to mood or eating disorders, self-harm, or substance abuse. It can also affect a teenager's academic performance, social relationships, and overall quality of life.
How to Respond as a Parent
If your teenager confides in you about their fears or anxieties, respond with empathy and understanding. Avoid dismissing their feelings and instead validate their experiences. Help them see that feeling anxious about changes and challenges is normal during adolescence. Encourage open communication and guide them to identify specific triggers. Assure them that, with support, they can learn effective coping strategies.
When to Seek Professional Help
If anxiety significantly impacts your teenager’s daily life, consider consulting with a mental health professional. PrimaHealth offers online consultations with specialists who can help determine the most appropriate course of action and treatment.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment often involves a combination of therapies tailored to the individual, which might include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): The most effective treatment for anxiety, helping teenagers identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medication: Sometimes used to manage severe symptoms, typically in conjunction with therapy.
Your Role as a Supportive Parent
Supporting your teenager through anxiety requires patience, understanding, and encouragement. Recognise their efforts to face anxiety-provoking situations and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Stay involved in their treatment process and collaborate with professionals.
Remember, anxiety in adolescence is common, but with the right support, most teenagers can learn to manage their symptoms effectively. Speak to one of PrimaHealth’s compassionate Case Managers today by requesting a complimentary callback.