Anxiety In Teens: Why They Are Experiencing More Stress

Anxiety can appear at any time in your life. It seems as though these days, with the prevalence of social media, outside pressure, family issues, and social stress, teenagers are experiencing more and more anxiety at a young age. Instead of hanging out with friends, playing sports, and spending quality time with loved ones, teenagers in the modern world have a more stress-filled lifestyle.

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Periods of Anxiety for Teens

But when will your teenager feel the most stressed out? In some cases, anxiety just happens — it is a natural reaction to intense situations or certain feelings. Anxiety disorders are extremely common, affecting almost 1 in 10 people throughout their life. Anxiety has crept up more in society in the last couple of years due to the worldwide pandemic, social media, educational pressure, and transitional periods.

Parents and adults should be aware of specific time frames that can bring on the most amount of stress in a teen’s life, especially during testing periods in school, extracurricular activities, finding time to fit in and spend time with friends, appearing or dressing a certain way to fit in during school days, or starting a new school with a different social group.

Feeling anxious is common in teenagers, but it can manifest in different ways. Some teenagers might feel embarrassed in specific scenarios, whereas others may lash out at strangers, friends, loved ones, parents, or coaches. For most teenagers who are feeling anxious, it is important to remember that this feeling won’t last forever. Oftentimes, a chance of the circumstance can help alleviate the most common symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Teens

Parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and other adults should look out for specific signs of stress and anxiety in teenagers. If a teen is feeling restless and irritable, they may lash out in class, be unable to sit still or cause disruptions to other students. This is a sign of anxiety and avoidant behavior that should be addressed.

Furthermore, some teens might be easily fatigued and have trouble concentrating, whether that is at home, at school, while completing homework, or during sports practice. If a teenager doesn’t have the energy to make it through gym class or sports training, a teacher or coach should consider talking with the guidance counselor or student regarding possible help.

Lastly, teenagers with anxiety could have physical ailments, such as trouble sleeping, insomnia, muscular tension, stiffness, headaches, migraines, stomachaches, and overall body pain. In this instance, it is best to do activities that reduce any tension in the body, such as stretching, physical activity, yoga, massage, or other relaxing modalities.

How to Help Your Anxious Teen

For those who want to help their teenager deal with their anxiety, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help alleviate the symptoms. Firstly, acknowledging your teenager’s ears, apprehension, worries, or stressors is key to them feeling understood and heard. Taking any concerns seriously and listening to what they are saying can help them feel important and respected.

Secondly, give your teenager support, understanding, and empathy. Sympathizing with what they are going through and relating to them can help them feel like they are not alone. Make sure you talk with your child to understand how they are feeling, how you can help, and how you can work together to find a solution.

Lastly, consider reaching out to a physician, medical professional, principal, or guidance counselor at a school. Speak with a coach if your teenager is struggling in sports training, or talk with a teacher if your child is having trouble focusing or concentrating in class. Talking to other adults gives you the big picture of what really is going on in your teen’s life.

This article was written by Emma Starr.