Anxiety in Teens | How Parents Can Help Their Anxious Child

The time of adolescence is a stressful one, full of fear and uncertainty. After being subjected to previously unknown stresses, like heightened parental expectations, terrifying physical change, and hormones going haywire, there's no mystery as to why millions of adolescents struggle during this time of transition.

Anxious teens feel:

1. Fearfulness, as though things are completely out of their control.
2. Dread, as though something will eventually fall to pieces.
3. Feeling separated from their themselves or the rest of reality. Otherwise referred to as, depersonalisation.

Anxious teens may physically display:

• Racing heart rate
• Tightening of the chest
• Butterflies
• Tense muscles
• Feeling as though they might vomit
• Misplaced anger
• Intense sadness

 Teenage Anxiety's Possible Contributing Factors

Extreme anxiety sometimes manifests for no reason whatsoever - An anxiety attack usually occurs because the anxious person feels as though they are in danger, even if no such threat exists at all. 

Suffering from anxiety is very common - Almost 25% of young people say they suffer from anxiety. Stats show that teens who feel as though they are alone in feeling anxious, are not alone after all. Let your child know that millions of kids their age also suffer from similar conditions.

The human brain tends to be overprotective - Every brain is wired to keep its owner safe and secure. The human brain is an incredibly powerful tool, smarter than any super-computer every manufactured. But even with its vast capabilities, our brain sometimes reads into things that are simply not there. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety

The anxiety-ridden, teenage psyche is prone to holding on to irrational insecurities and beliefs. Unfortunately, this irrational thinking may prove to be a contributing factor in an anxious teen's inability to handle stress. With that in mind, it is crucial for teens to understand that the little things, or the 'what-ifs,' of life are trivial, minor complications that can be easily resolved.

Additionally, teens should not let their imagination work against them. Instead, they should use their creativity and apply it to overcoming their anxious tendencies.

To Parents of An Anxious Teenage Boy or Girl: 

So, does this article describe the anxiety your child endures on a daily basis? If so, it is up to you as a parent to help them come to a place of understanding. Help your teen realize that most of their stresses are temporary. Also, don't forget to remind them that you are there to support them every step of the way.

Furthermore, explain to your child how their anxieties are simply the result of neurochemical changes that sometimes occur during puberty. Let them know that, as they get older, dealing with anxiety gets easier to manage and deal with as a young adult.

For Further Reading, please refer to the article and link below: 
Anxiety can be tough for anyone to deal with, but add in the whirlwind of changes that come with adolescence, and anxiety can feel like an intrusive mind hog that spends way too much time squeezing, surprising and overwhelming anyone it lands on.
via http://www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-teens/