Is Your Teenager Dealing
With Anxiety?
Are you supporting a teenager with an anxiety disorder?
This can be stressful not only for the teenager, but you can also feel overwhelmed when caring for them.
Here is more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can help yourself.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is one of the most common problems in teenagers especially since they are currently at the stage of their life where there are many changes and they need to choose what path to take. Diagnosed anxiety disorder in teens do not only affect their day to day activities, but this mental health condition can also bring consequences especially when making life-altering decisions (such as choosing what course to take in university).
Teens experiencing anxiety tend to worry about many things all at once resulting in restlessness and unproductive days. Often, they will worry about how to act in front of others which will affect how they deal with other people. They can also miss out on living their day to day life since they are consumed with worry and uncertainty.
For someone to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), meaning the anxiety is perceived to be a ‘disorder’ instead of a ‘universal human emotion’, they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months. Other common anxiety disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hypochondriasis and somatoform disorder. Specific therapy and treatment exist for all anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of a Teenager with Anxiety
- Constant thoughts that something bad is about to happen
- Constant worry that they are not doing things correctly
- Constantly asking questions and seeking reassurance
- Perfectionism or making sure that everything surpasses expectations
- Being argumentative, especially if they are trying to avoid a feared situation
- Dwelling on small or huge mistakes for a long time
- Worrying about a change in routine or in unfamiliar places
- Affecting school performance
- Having a dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
What causes Anxiety?
A Teenager with Anxiety can be a result of multiple internal and external factors such as parents putting too much pressure on their children, or children putting too much pressure on themselves to match their peers or to meet others’ expectations. Relationship problems with family and friends, as well as the loss of a loved one and any other challenging situation, may also cause anxiety in teens. Pressure in school (such as needing to keep their grades up) and pressure from society (such as thinking of moving out or getting a part-time job) can also trigger anxiety in teenagers.
Anxiety can also be a side-effect of certain medications, or a by-product of a physical illness, chronic condition, disability or traumatic event. Some people may have a genetic disposition for anxiety if mental health disorders are present in the family or because they grew up around anxious people. It is advised to work with a health professional such as a counsellor to uncover the root cause of the anxiety.
Diagnosis of Anxiety
The teenage years or adolescence is one of the most common periods where an individual can develop anxiety. Since this time is full of changes that an individual may find hard to keep track of, anxiety can develop. And since mental health challenges can affect the educational, emotional and social development of teens, it is necessary to bring them to a GP or a Psychiatrist to get professional help. A diagnosis involves systematic interviews alongside ruling out other behavioural and mental health conditions. For a child to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months.
Treatments for your Teenager with Anxiety
Anxiety has been described as one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions – full recovery is possible. Even if a person develops anxiety during adolescence, proper treatment can help overcome this mental health challenge. Treatment options for anxiety include:
- Psychological therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be most effective for general anxiety as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours
- Medication such as anti-depressants
- Relaxation therapy and deep breathing exercises
- Self-help and encouragement from family and friends
- Support groups, as people discover they are not alone and may find support in other people with similar issues
How to help your Teenager with anxiety
It can be very hard for parents to see their children experience anxiety during their teenage years – one of the most important periods in an adolescent’s life. The best way to help them is to bring them to a GP or Psychiatrist for professional help. You can also turn to a mental health phone line or browse through mental health services online.
It can be hard to connect with your teenager especially one experiencing mental health conditions. But as a parent, what you can do is to offer a listening ear and let them know you are there for them. Giving affirmations and positivity is also a good way to let your teen know that everything will be alright and that you will always support them no matter what happens.
How to help yourself
Seeing your child experience anxiety is not only very hurtful but can also be a stressful and frustrating experience for you. Supporting them and giving assurance every day can also take its toll on you and leave you exhausted especially if you find it hard to connect with your teen. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds® offers free and confidential support to Carers or to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling and support groups, as well as rest and revive activities to help you take a breather and rejuvenate your mental health. We also conduct school holiday programs, family programs, and youth programs as part of our advocacy to promote mental health wellness to people living in WA.
Get Support from HelpingMinds®
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds® via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy.