In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available | (616) 309 0737
2460 Burton St SE #101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available | (616) 309 0737
2460 Burton St SE #101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

What Does Anxiety Look Like in Teens?

This is not a trick question. Yes, we know teenagers are tough to figure out. But we also know that more than 30 percent of U.S. teens have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Obviously, we owe it to our teenage children to know much more about this growing trend. Just because we think a teen is doing fine doesn’t mean there aren’t issues brewing beneath the surface.

It’s not unusual to chalk up erratic teen behavior to everything from peer pressure to hormones. Such factors play a role, of course, but what if this has escalated into chronic anxiety? Can you identify the red flags?

What Is an Anxiety Disorder? 

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Everyone gets nervous. We all have times of worry. Anxiety is a normal emotion that can literally save our lives. Yet, this healthy function can get derailed. We can lose sight of how to discern real risks from perceived dangers. If this happens, there’s a strong possibility that an anxiety disorder is present.

Such disorders can take many forms — generalized, panic, social anxiety, and more. Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health issue on the planet. They bring about stress, fear, isolation, and many physical symptoms. As the parent of a teen, you must begin to recognize the signs. 

What Does Anxiety Look Like in Teens?

  • Withdrawing From Everyday Life: Is your teen declining social invitations? Are they withdrawing and losing interest in what once excited them? Anxious thoughts can speak lies into our heads and lead us to make unhealthy choices out of fear.
  • Struggles at School: A teen with an anxiety disorder may experience a decline in grades and test scores. They may come up with excuses to stay home from school.
  • Restlessness: Anxiety challenges a teen’s ability to rest and relax. They are palpably on edge and distracted. This same restlessness prevents them from concentrating.
  • Negative Self-Talk: Anxiety tells us lies and, after a time, we start repeating those lies. We lose confidence and begin expecting the worst. 
  • Taking Risks and Living Dangerously: If anxiety becomes too much, an overwhelmed teen will seek ways to numb the distress. Your teen may start running with a new, rough crowd. They may drive recklessly, become promiscuous, or experiment with drugs and alcohol. 

More Clues to Watch For

Emotional Changes

  • Becoming a chronic worrier
  • Lashing out in anger
  • Crying and sadness
  • Fearing that something bad is on its way
  • Becoming easily startled and hyper-vigilant 

Physical Signs 

We may think of anxiety solely in psychological terms, but it can cause signs in our bodies that are otherwise confusing. Your teen could be enduring unexplained issues like fatigue, digestive disturbances, insomnia, muscle tension, headaches, and more. 

What Can You, as a Parent, Do?

Teenagers can be resistant to input from their parents, but you can take powerful steps no matter what. Make it crystal clear that you are available to listen, to talk, and to support. Encourage them to invite friends to your home. Lead by example. Allow your children to see you practicing self-care, taking breaks from your devices, and staying connected with friends and family.

Do all of this from a place of compassion — without judgment or attempts to control them. Most importantly, recognize that your teen likely needs help from a trained professional. Guide them toward such help, but accept their independence as they move forward into treatment. There’s no reason to take it personally if your children are more attentive to a therapist than to their parents.

Anytime your child is struggling, it’ll be a challenge for a parent like you. But you’re not alone. I’m here to help. Reach out today to schedule an appointment for teen therapy.

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