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It’s tough being a teen. Pressure feels like it’s everywhere: Trying to fit in, do well in school, and discover who you are. Imagine carrying a heavy, invisible backpack full of worries everywhere you go. This weight is what anxiety can feel like. But it doesn’t have to overwhelm you or your teen because there are methods to help them take some of that weight off. Let’s discuss how you can help teens cope with anxiety.

Anxiety is more than just typical nerves. Everyone gets nervous. However, with anxiety, worries are constant. It can be overwhelming and significantly impact a young person’s life. That’s why helping teens cope with anxiety is so important.

Table of Contents:

Understanding Teenage Anxiety

Anxiety manifests in different ways. Some teens experience physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. Others might have difficulty concentrating or sleeping. Some teens become irritable or withdraw socially. 

Recognizing these anxiety symptoms is the first step in helping teens cope with anxiety disorders. It’s also important to know that addressing anxiety is about providing tools to manage this condition, not about eliminating it entirely.

Common Anxiety Triggers in Teens

The teenage years are filled with specific challenges. School transitions, exams, social pressures, and future uncertainties can each trigger anxiety – both individually and in totality. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) notes that constant news exposure can also increase stress and worry.

Social media adds another layer of complexity to adolescent mental health. Teens constantly compare themselves to others. The pressure to project a perfect online image can be intense.

HelpGuide.org notes that kids and teens who spend over three hours daily on social media may face a greater risk of mental health problems. So, managing social media use can significantly help teens reduce and manage anxiety.

Helping Teens Cope with Anxiety: Practical Strategies

There are many practical strategies to help teens deal with anxiety. Those steps begin with recognizing how anxiety feels physically, and by addressing these manifestations of mental stress, you can help manage a child’s anxiety.

Mindfulness and Breathing

Mindfulness and breathing are very important for anxiety management. Teach teens slow, deep breathing exercises, so that when anxiety hits, they can actively calm their body’s stress response.

Raising Children points out that focusing on breathing quiets racing thoughts. It helps shift focus to the present moment. Mindfulness techniques, like body scans, also help teens notice physical tension and relax.

To make the most of these techniques you must practice them and show your teen how to use them. Doing breathing exercises together consistently changes results. Practice and discipline will also help them to manage expectations about progress and/or setbacks.

Some days are better than others. And while some are more hopeful, progress in dealing with anxiety may take time. It’s important to help your team manage these expectations. In these situations, deep breathing can be a powerful ally.

Creative Expression

Creative activities are excellent outlets for pent-up emotions. Art, music, or journaling provide non-verbal ways for teens to explore their anxiety.

Encouraging teens to explore options empowers them. They see that they are actively trying different methods to address their anxiety. Painting, for example, can be surprisingly therapeutic.

Physical Activity

Exercise is also great for anxiety. It releases mood-boosting endorphins and teaches healthy discipline. Focusing on improvement in activities also fosters a sense of accomplishment, which can boost moods.

Team sports, yoga, or any physical activity helps teens to connect with their own bodies. The result is a beneficial shift in focus – away from anxious thoughts.

Problem-Solving Skills

Anxiety often stems from perceived problems or challenges. Breaking these down into smaller steps makes them less overwhelming. Granite Hills Hospital notes that this instills a sense of proactive control. And a sense of control is often pivotal in helping teens cope with anxiety.

Each success, big or small, contributes to healing. Even small wins reinforce progress and build confidence in managing anxiety.

Seeking Support

For a teen in anxiety, talking to someone can be crucial. Encouraging teens to confide in trusted adults, such as family, friends, teachers, or counselors, can effect valuable support.

Reaching out to professional mental health experts may also be beneficial. The bottom line is to stay open minded: Do not rule out exploring alternative approaches that can offer additional coping strategies.

The Parent’s Role in Helping Teens Cope with Anxiety

Parents are vital in supporting teens through anxiety. Open communication, active listening, and validation are crucial. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to show your own imperfections, as these help teens understand that challenges are normal.

Sometimes, professional help is necessary, as suggested by HelpGuide.org. Especially in families with a history of anxiety, parental modeling of healthy coping mechanisms is important. These mechanisms can include exercise, relaxation techniques, and a balanced diet.

HelpGuide.org also states that finding a “healthy balance” is essential. However, avoiding extremes is just as important, as overdoing healthy habits can create new anxieties. A healthy “work-life balance” modeled by parents is beneficial for teens.

Perfection isn’t the goal, and parents shouldn’t strive to be superhuman. Kids need to see that their parents succeeding despite challenges is normal and healthy.

Additional Resources for Helping Teens Cope With Anxiety

Resource Description
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Offers information, support, and resources for teens and families dealing with mental health challenges. Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
Crisis Text Line Provides free 24/7 support via text. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Offers a national helpline (1-800-662-4357) for mental health support and treatment referral resources.

Conclusion

Helping teens cope with anxiety means providing them with practical tools and fostering resilience. By understanding anxiety, recognizing triggers, and offering support, we empower teens to face challenges with confidence. It’s not just about managing symptoms but helping them thrive during this complex and formative time.

The team at Bridgepoint Clinic is here to guide families and teens through anxiety management. Through personalized care and effective strategies, we help teens develop coping skills that work for them, acknowledge their struggles, and remind them that support is always available. Most importantly, they learn they don’t have to face anxiety alone.

Resources

This blog post uses information from websites that support families facing teen anxiety: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), KidsHealth and HelpGuide.org. These resources offer further insights.