Anxiety is considered a normal human reaction when confronted with a stressor. Children typically manifest harmless signs of fear and anxiety that usually change or dissipate in time. For some children, however, anxiety can persist or even become excessive as they enter their adolescence. According to the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH,  31.9% of adolescents in a recent study had anxiety. As the statistics continue to grow, so do your teen’s treatment options. 

The more you know about anxiety the better prepared you can be to seek treatment if and when it is needed. Anxiety is overwhelming, however, it is treatable. Counseling can help. 

The Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Some of the common types include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social phobia or social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

GAD results in your child worrying about what any teen would worry about such as school, friends, health and other simple life events, but the worry is uncontrollable and excessive. Panic is usually only considered to be related to an anxiety disorder when it happens often, and for no apparent reason. Phobias are described as unreasonable and excessive fear concerning a specific thing. Social anxiety is common for young people with low self-esteem, but is worrisome when your child gets to the point of avoiding people and social gatherings. OCD is characterized by repetitive behaviors brought about by the teen’s desire to relieve fear or anxiety.

The Effect of Excessive Fear

Feeling anxious most of the time is not healthy for your adolescent child. Anxiety will cause the body to react like there is threat or danger. There will be an adrenaline rush to prepare the body to elude danger. Their heart will beat fast, making the blood rush through their vessels, tensing the muscles, and creating sweat. This is the fight-flight response.

The fight-flight response is a normal response as it readies the body to protect against a threat by fleeing or fighting to remain safe. But when it happens too often, it can be just as unhealthy. Imagine the body alert system poised for fight or flight, all the time; that can be very tiring and unhealthy as well.

Want You Can Do for Your Teen

There are many things you can do for your teen when it comes to properly addressing anxiety. You can start by taking note of what triggers fear and anxiety for them. While you may try your best to stick to a parenting technique that is fair for all your children, don’t compare your teen with others or give punishment for not faring as well as their other siblings. Of course, treating anxiety is challenging, therapy can help. 

Working with a therapist can help your teen to identify their triggers for anxiety and find ways to effectively cope. Anxiety doesn’t have to change the way they live their lives. There are many effective approaches that can help your teen find remission from their symptoms of anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most popular. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with skilled, licensed therapists and counselors who know how to effectively treat anxiety. Call today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available.

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