Parenting teenagers can be both rewarding and challenging. As your child transitions from childhood to adolescence, they encounter a myriad of changes, both physical and emotional. One of the most common challenges teenagers face today is anxiety. While it’s normal for teens to experience some level of anxiety, it’s essential for parents to recognize when it becomes a more significant concern. In this blog, we will delve into what anxiety looks like in teenagers, offering insights and guidance for parents navigating this complex terrain.
The Silent Battle
The Prevalence of Anxiety in Teens
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in three teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Teens experienced a pandemic, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated anxiety in teens. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a significant increase in the prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescents during the pandemic, with school closures and social isolation intensifying these challenges.
The Unseen Struggles
We all know that mood swings is a common experience for teens due to fluctuating hormones and not having a fully developed prefrontal cortex to assist in regulation. But teens often go to great lengths to appear “fine” or “normal” to others, even when they’re struggling internally. The fear of judgment from peers and even their families can lead them to not seeking help. As parents, it’s crucial to recognize that the absence of visible sings does not mean that your teen is not struggling with anxiety. Anxiety can be crippling internally.
The Multifaceted Face of Teenage Anxiety
Physical Symptoms
Teens may have physical manifestations of their anxiety such as restlessness or fidgeting, muscle tension, racing hearts, headaches, stomachaches, and nausea. These symptoms may lead to mistaking anxiety for other health issues.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Remember being a teen and having your own ups and downs as you navigated adolescence. Now, when anxiety is in the picture emotional fluctuations can become more intense and disruptive. One of the hallmark emotional signs of anxiety in teens is intense worry or fear. This could be focused on school, social interactions, or future events. Other signs could be irritability, low self-esteem, self-criticism, and rumination.
Cognitive Overload
Anxiety can lead to relentless streams of thoughts, self-doubts, and difficulty concentrating. Maybe you notice signs of perfectionism or catastrophic thinking in your teen. Anxiety can lead to these thoughts and overwhelming amounts of thoughts that impact their daily live and academic performance.
Behavioral Changes
Avoidance and Isolation
Teens struggling with anxiety may tend to avoid certain situations or places. Maybe they have begun isolating themselves from friends they previously enjoying spending time with. These behaviors may be fueled by fear of judgement or failure.
Academic Impact
One of the most notable signs of anxiety academically is your teen suddenly utilizing procrastination in a way they previously did not. There may be challenges getting you teen to attend school leading to attendance issues as well.
Social Challenges
Your teen may be struggling to make friends or have social avoidance. Maybe they’re overthinking social interactions searching for disapproval or embarrassment.
Seeking Help and Support
Identifying Red Flags
Maybe you’ve noticed some of these behaviors in your teen recently and you’re wondering if your teen is silently struggling with anxiety. Here are more red flags to watch out for if you are suspecting your teen is struggling.
Drastic changes in your teens behaviors such as sleep patterns, eating habits, withdrawal, or academic performance.
Irrational fears and phobias that may not have been present to your knowledge until recently.
Emotional outbursts have become more frequent and intense than previously.
Changes in self-care habits like neglecting personal hygiene.
Striving for perfectionism and seeing your teen engage in negative self-talk when receiving a grade not to their standard.
Parental Support and Coping Strategies
Communication is Key
I cannot stress enough the importance of open and non-judgmental communication between you as a parent and your teen. Becoming vulnerable and sharing concerns or stressors can be intimidating. If you provide an open door and safe dynamic in which your teen knows you’re available, they have the opportunity to seek support. If you’re noticing any of the red flags or signs presented above, initiate conversations about anxiety and how it’s okay if they’re struggling. There is support out there, without judgement, for whatever they need.
Offer Coping Strategies
Provide your teen with skills such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and self-care practices to engage in. Ask them what in the past has helped them alleviate their anxiety. Maybe they have some skills in their toolbelt already and you can join the activity.
The Journey Towards Recovery
Celebrate Small Wins
Celebrate your teens progress, no matter how small. Often we minimize the progress we’ve made because we’re only seeing the finish line and feeling far away from it. Celebrating those successes will support your teen in acknowledging them on their own.
Patience and Persistence
Patience is SO important in the journey towards recovery from intense anxiety. Your teen may experience setbacks and likely will be beating themselves up for it. Provide support and acknowledge that set backs are a natural part of the process.
Conclusion
Parenting a teenager with anxiety can be a challenging journey, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and connection within the family. Understanding what anxiety looks like in teens is the first step towards offering the support and guidance they need. By recognizing the signs, seeking help when necessary, and creating a nurturing environment, parents can empower their teens to overcome the silent battle of anxiety and thrive in their journey to adulthood. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and together, you and your teen can conquer anxiety’s challenges.
