Anxiety isn’t just a part of growing up. Today’s level of anxiety in teens is higher than ever. They have more pressure, more information coming at them, bigger decisions to make, and a constant level of demand from various sides. As a parent, it’s critical to realize your teen’s anxiety is a true mental health concern that deserves support and treatment.
Teen Anxiety Continues to Grow
Many teens face anxiety today. Data from the National Institutes of Mental Health indicate that 31.9% of adolescents have an anxiety disorder. That’s not just being nervous but suffering from mental health-draining anxiety. About 8.3% of those individuals had a diagnostic level of severe impairment from their anxiety.
Recognizing the fact that your teen is anxious, parents are often unsure of what to do. Will they grow out of it? Do they need tough love? Perhaps you should take them to see a mental health specialist?
You don’t have to have all of the answers right now. However, as a parent, you do need to take action. One of the most effective steps you can take is to teach your child how to handle daily anxiety so they maintain control over their mental health and behavior.
What Parents Can Do to Help Teens Manage Anxiety
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll likely have various opportunities to witness anxiety attacks or intense moments when your teen may feel overwhelmed. Other days may seem straightforward and “normal” teen stuff. Yet, every situation in which your teen is anxious is one in which you have the opportunity to help them manage and learn from if you know what to do. Consider these strategies.
Acknowledge Fears and Emotions
One of the most important steps you can take on this journey is to acknowledge the intensity of your teen’s emotions, fears, and anxious thoughts. Do not ignore them, and never dismiss them. Statements such as “What do you have to worry about?” do not help.
Instead, ask them to talk about what bothers them. Encourage them to talk without asking numerous prying questions. Sometimes, for parents, the best step is the hardest: Sitting in silence as they work through those anxious moments.
Build a Strong Parent and Teenager Relationship
You’re not your child’s friend. You’re also not likely to help them by demanding and controlling what they do throughout the day. Instead, build a bond where your teen feels they can talk to you and share details without feeling like they’ll get in trouble.
This helps you have a better level of understanding of their mental health. Once your child reaches those formative teen years, they are exploring the world without you by their side. They still need a way to come back for guidance and support.
Remind Them They Are Not Alone
It’s natural for teens to experience anxiety and then stress even more about those feelings. That is, they don’t want friends to think they are weird because they always worry. Instead, talk to your teen about just how common anxiety is.
An anxious child shouldn’t be labeled as “shy” or “anxious.” In fact, they need only to be recognized for who they are and now their mental health state. Those labels can hurt them.
Provide Love and Empathy
Communicating with your child about their anxious thoughts and feelings helps to show empathy in a way that they fully understand that you are trying your best to understand. Showcase that you understand how hard it is for them right now.
Then, work on showing love. In those tense moments, they may need a hug or someone to just watch a movie with who isn’t likely to judge them.
Know When Your Teen Needs Professional Support
Many parents think their child will grow out of anxious thoughts and feelings, but that’s rare. What is possible is for your teen to learn how to manage moments of intense anxiety and overwhelming thought processes. This will empower them to move beyond those moments of panic and find a resolution to the problem.
If you suspect that your teen is at risk for suicidal thoughts or hurting themselves or others, seek immediate support right away. These are not the types of challenges you want your teen to face alone. Instead, get them the authentic help necessary for healing.
Let Us Help You at Willow Creek Behavioral Health
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health in Green Bay, WI, we provide behavioral treatment for children between the ages of five and 17. That includes providing a safe place for them to spend time as they learn to manage intense anxiety. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
