Teenagers of all ages experience stress and pressure from their peers, coaches, teachers, and even parents. Although some of this is normal, and some teens are able to manage it without too many issues, many teens can develop anxiety due to the pressure. As a parent, raising a teenager is already challenging, and dealing with anxiety is another hurdle. However, it is important to recognize the symptoms so you can help your child manage them, such as with anxiety medication for teens, before anxiety controls their lives.
Recognize The Symptoms
One of the first keys to addressing and managing anxiety is to recognize its signs and symptoms. These can show up as physical, emotional, or behavioral signs. Some of the common physical symptoms include:
- Stomachaches for seemingly no reason
- Frequent headaches
- Sleep issues
- Changes in eating habits
- Tense muscles
- Fatigue
Behavioral symptoms may include:
- Avoiding certain situations
- Withdrawal from activities
- Becomes angry when separated from family members
- Refusal to do homework or go to school
Emotional signs can vary dramatically. Some may cry frequently, while others may be angry for no reason. Some even display symptoms similar to ADHD and impulsivity. You may be asking, what is impulsivity? Some signs include impatience, overindulging, outbursts, and antisocial behavior.
Learn How to Address It
Talking with your teen can be hard enough, and addressing potential anxiety signs can be even more tricky. The first thing to do is to find the right time to have a conversation. Do not choose a busy school night or before your teen has an event. Sit down and discuss what is going on with your teen. Keep in mind it may be difficult for your child to share emotions and thoughts. Let them know you are there for them. It may also help to offer an alternative way to communicate, such as through writing rather than face-to-face conversations.
Options for Managing Anxiety
Once anxiety has been identified, you and your teen can begin to find solutions to manage the symptoms. Some recommend medication. However, if you are concerned about the dangerous side effects, you may be wary of this option. Fortunately, there are natural remedies for anxiety. These may include herbs, supplements, or holistic medicine.
Implementing a healthy lifestyle is important. This includes proper nutrition, getting enough sleep, and exercise. Finding an outlet to deal with stress, such as meditation, journaling, or yoga, can help improve relaxation. A therapist may help your teen identify triggers, talk about emotions, and figure out ways to manage symptoms in high-pressure situations.
If someone has severe social anxiety, being a teenager, and all that goes with it, can make things even harder. Encourage your teen to venture out in smaller groups and with people he or she trusts. This may help your child branch out into bigger groups down the line. If your teen is hesitant to get a job due to social requirements, some good positions to consider include library assistant, jobs working with animals, retail stocker, tutor, and data entry clerk.
