Do you constantly worry about things going wrong, even for seemingly small stuff? If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are surprisingly common among teens. In fact, statistics show that up to 15% of all teens experience a diagnosable anxiety disorder by age 18.

But don’t worry! This article is here to help. You will learn how it feels to have anxiety, explore why it happens, how it affects you, and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
Let’s get started!

Anxiety in Teens- How Does It Feel?

Anxiety is an ongoing sensation of unease about something, even if there is no reason to be concerned. Anxiety makes doing homework more difficult because you worry about writing the wrong thing and getting something wrong, failing the class, and having to drop out.

None of this has occurred, but that doesn’t stop you from worrying about it. You sometimes also suffer from depression, so some days you can’t even get on your laptop, let alone finish your homework. So you have been lying in bed all day worried about schoolwork but can’t get up to do it.

There’s always this sensation in your chest, over your heart, and right in the middle, where it may sound cliche, but a heavy weight is pressing down on you. You get headaches from worrying and become annoyed that you snap at everyone around you if they interrupt you when you are trying to concentrate on something.

If you can relate to any of the above, read the rest of the article to explore how to go about it.

Signs of Serious Anxiety in Teens:

• Constant or irrational fears and worries.
• Increased irritability.
• Trouble concentrating, new difficulties in school.
• Extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism.
• Withdrawing from family and friends.
• Avoiding new situations.
• Chronic physical complaints: stomachaches, headaches, other pains.
• Needing a lot of reassurance.
• Sleep difficulties or problems.
• Substance or alcohol abuse.
• Co-occurrence of anxiety and depression.

What Causes of Anxiety in Teenagers?

Performance Pressure

• Fear of failure
• Pressure to excel academically

Self-Perception

• Social anxiety and self-consciousness
• Body image issues and eating disorders

Physical and Emotional Changes

• Hormonal fluctuations and physical changes
• Mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety

Global and Future Worries

• Concern about climate change, social injustice, and uncertainty

Common Anxiety Disorders in Teens

Anxiety disorders can manifest in various ways among teenagers. Here are some of the most common types:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday things. Teens with GAD often find it difficult to control their worries, which can interfere with daily life, sleep, and concentration.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Characterized by intense fear and anxiety in social situations, social phobia can significantly impact a teen’s ability to interact with peers and participate in school activities.

Panic Disorder

Panic attacks are episodes of extreme dread or discomfort. Teens with panic disorder experience recurrent unexpected panic attacks and often worry about having another one.

It’s essential to remember that these are just a few examples, and it’s possible for teens to experience multiple anxiety disorders simultaneously.

3 Effective Brain Hacks To Help You Relax

Our brains evolved to protect us from danger, but we often mistake stress for danger. This triggers the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, which redirects energy from the thinking part of the brain to the survival and emotional parts. While helpful in true emergencies, this response can hinder daily tasks like homework when stress levels are high.

The good news is there are some brain hacks that can help you calm down.

Brain Hack Number One

If you can calm down your body, you can help calm down your brain stem or survival brain. You can do this by doing things with your body, like using your breath, going for a run, or taking a shower.

Brain Hack Number Two

If you can relax your thoughts, you can calm your limbic system, also known as the emotional brain. You can do this by doing things with your thoughts, like visualizations, meditation, and mindfulness.

Brain Hack Number Three

Turn your frontal lobe or smart brain back on. You can do this by doing things your smart brain is good at, like talking to a counselor, reading a book, or writing your thoughts down.

Calming yourself down takes practice. To get really good at managing stress, you have to practice a lot to grow the brain cells, connect them together, and create a whole new pathway in your brain. The more you practice, the stronger the pathway gets until it becomes easier or even automatic.

5 Ways to Help Teens with Anxiety

1. Instead of trying to solve their problems, focus on understanding and empathizing with your teen’s feelings. Show you care by listening without passing judgment.
2. Simple breathing techniques can relax both you and your teen. Take deep, slow breaths to reduce anxiety.
3. Help your teen develop a strong sense of self by spending quality time, offering praise, and encouraging positive self-talk.
4. Establish routines, set clear boundaries, and provide a predictable schedule to reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
5. Imagine what your teen is going through and express understanding without trying to fix everything. A simple hug or quiet presence can be incredibly comforting.

Some Quick Tips To Overcome Anxiety

• Limit caffeine: Too much can trigger physical anxiety symptoms.
• Eat regularly: Avoid shaky feelings caused by low blood sugar.
• Avoid substances: Drugs and alcohol can worsen anxiety.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a natural stress reliever.
• Manage stress: Identify and reduce stressors in your life.
• Build resilience: Develop a positive mindset to cope with challenges.

When to Seek Professional Help for Your Teen’s Anxiety

It’s time to consider professional help when your teen’s anxiety starts significantly disrupting their daily life. Signs of this include extreme isolation, a noticeable drop in motivation, or excessive cautiousness.

To address your teen’s anxiety, you can consult a general practitioner, therapist, or psychiatrist. While medication might be an option in severe cases, it’s essential to prioritize understanding and addressing the root causes of the anxiety.

Remember, early intervention is key to helping your teen manage their anxiety effectively.

Conclusion

Learning how to help teens with anxiety will give you the best chance of success in developing your teenager’s confidence. Implementing strategies and skills to care for your loved ones will greatly reduce anxiety in teens.

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