Anxiety in teens is more common than you would think. Anxiety at any age is concerning, but teens have so much to deal with these days with school, friends, social media and fomo, that it can all be overwhelming. Everyone has anxiety. Anxiety is an alarm that is healthy and required. Anxiety tells us when to run or fight, it lets us know when something is wrong or we are okay. However, anxiety can be overwhelming when that alarm is not able to be turned off or goes off regularly. Recognizing the alarm of anxiety and being able to judge whether the alarm is credible or not, is the anecdote to easing anxiety. “Her foot will always be tapping, his knees are always bobbing.” These are phrases I hear from concerned parents when discussing their concern for their child’s mental health. A drastic change in behavior, mood or reaction, requiring more or less sleep, grades slipping, perhaps not seeing friends as much as they used to. These are all signs that your child might be struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety. Addressing the signs early and gaining resources for your daughter and yourself are critical to providing intervention that can be successful in conquering anxiety that is causing significant impairment to your child’s life.
Anxiety in Teens
Anxiety is defined by an excess of worry over any number of things for a period that is longer than 6 months. Physical symptoms can be sweating, pacing, fidgety, trouble sleeping, and increase/decrease appetite. Emotional issues can be crying, low mood, ruminating thoughts, nightmares, and unable to enjoy normal activities. Behavioral issues include a drastic change in behavior, school issues, drop in grades, talking back that is out of character, and any other symptom that just leaves you baffled and scratching your head. Now, everyone has bad days and they are moody which is explainable by external factors, environment or social context. With all these things considered and the extended presence of symptoms should begin to raise alarm. Everyone has stress and worry, but when it is preventing school attendance, social outings, relationships and everyday functioning in the home that is when you want to intervene and get your child the resources they need.
Supporting a Child Through Anxiety
By reading this blog post you are already seeking help for your child so you are already creating an environment that is safe for your child. Be understanding, not questioning, listening with a confirming face is better than a raised brow with a “why” after each response. Simply ask your child to tell you what is happening. Do not rush the conversation. If your child could articulate what is going on with them perfectly, they would likely not have as much distress as they are having. Give them the space to say, “I don’t know why I feel this way”. It’s okay to not be okay. Let them know that. Seeking help from a professional is the way to begin the process of helping Sleep deprivation in teens is an epidemic due to the presence of smart phones. Lead by example of how to have healthy boundaries with technology and sleep hygiene. Help them when they are overwhelmed. Many times kids are under the impression they have to be involved in everything. Often it is the parents who are driving the bus, so to say for travel sports, extracurriculars or advanced academics. Have you asked your child what they want to do? When they graduate will any of this matter or influence their future. None of these are bad things, however they can have negative effects if not managed properly.
When do we Seek Professional Help
When impairment is being caused due to anxiety, this is when you want to get outside help from a licensed professional. There are many things that could indicate impairment. Social withdrawal, disruptive behavior, sudden disregard for things that once held their attention, failing grades and poor hygiene/lack of care of appearance. When these factors affect their daily life of school, friends and extra curricular activities that is when intervention is needed. Social support and school personnel are a great place to start if that is appropriate and there is an established relationship. There are many resources available, they just have to be utilized.
Take Care of Yourself First
Before you can get help for your child for anxiety or other mental health issues, you need to make sure that you are well enough to take care of them. You can only care for someone when you are well enough yourself. Practicing health habits with eating, sleeping and thinking are ways to care for yourself to make sure your mental health stays a priority. Using the available social support of others parents, family, school resources or community groups are great ways to get help in a time of need. Help is here, when you need it. If you find yourself looking for a mental health professional, call Cypress Roots Counseling in Palestine, TX today.
Get Help From a Counselor in Palestine, TX
At Cypress Roots Counseling, we understand the struggle that individuals and couples face today and want to come alongside them to help them on the marathon of relationships. By scheduling a consultation you can meet with a therapist to discuss your needs and goals for couples counseling. It is never too late to seek counseling for yourself, your relationship or your family. Trust your instincts and the feeling that something is not right and get help today. Our team would be honored to offer support from our Palestine, TX-based practice. Get started today by giving us a call at (903) 300-2705, emailing us at jaclyn@cypressrootscounseling.com or by clicking the Request appointment below.
Other Services Offered at Cypress Roots Counseling
We understand that you may be dealing with more than one mental health or relationship or parenting concerns. Cypress Roots Counseling offers individual and couples counseling, as well as parenting help. Ethical, professional and confidential services are what you will experience at Cypress Roots Counseling. There are many types of counseling, but at Cypress Roots you will encounter CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy and Gottman Method (Couples).
