Why Your Teen's Anxiety Isn't Going Away and What to Do About It
You’re concerned about your teen’s anxiety. You want to be sure not to minimize it or make too much of it. Yet you know that it could be a sign of deeper concerns, so want to be sure you’re providing your child with the help and resources they need.
Here at Mindful Healing we realize how challenging it can be to find balance as a parent, especially when your child is living with some degree of anxiety. In this article we provide an overview of adolescent anxiety, what it’s like for your child, and what to do when it’s not going away or getting better.
Adolescent Anxiety: Its Causes and How It Feels
New situations can cause tense moments and anxiety for any of us. Your teen and their peers have new situations all the time! From the first day of high school to driver’s ed, class presentations, athletic events, and starting a job, some people expect them to take each new event in stride.
That is a lot of pressure, with expectations coming at your teen from multiple sources. Plus, the cause of your child’s anxiety may be from within, what they expect of themself. Yet, what does this feel like for your teen?
They can feel embarrassed, shy, or feel full of themselves as a defence mechanism.
They may have instantaneous physical changes including:
Sweaty palms, face, or all over.
Changes in their usual speaking pace or tone of voice.
Their head hangs down or they don’t make eye contact.
Stomach and headaches, plus increased sensitivity to pain.
Their behavior seems rude or short when they’re questioned.
They avoid tasks, often because they’re worried about doing something the wrong way.
They also steer clear of social activities, even though they enjoy one-on-one or small group time with friends.
Some teens have phobias, like fear of the dark, some animals, or heights.
Others have compulsive behaviors, such as counting things. This can divert your teen’s attention away from feeling anxious.
Panic attacks and post traumatic stress symptoms are signs of intense anxiety, sometimes brought on by past trauma, be it physical or emotional in origin.
What to Do When Anxiety Doesn’t Go Away
It is distressing for both you and your child when the anxiety they are experiencing carries on without signs of resolution. One first step is for your teen to have a complete physical examination if they have not done so in the last year. This helps to rule out anything physical that may be the cause of anxiety.
After that there are various techniques and tips to try with your teen. Practice each one for several days before moving on the next. By following that pattern you:
Learn which methods work and do not.
Can start to see results when things are working.
Begin with healthy habits.
That means eating nutritious foods for all meals and snacks.
Assure that your teen is getting enough sleep. That can mean that the environment doesn’t make them anxious. They might want:
A night light or complete dark.
White noise or none.
Other considerations that promote comfort and feeling safe.
Regular physical activity, preferably something they enjoy!
Routine hygiene practices without these becoming obsessive. Make adjustments if your teen is afraid of water or other aspects related to cleanliness.
Integrate mindful practices.
Guide your teen with how to use breathing to reduce tension.
Ask if together you can learn about meditation or mindful movement like yoga or tai chi.
Learn how to do a body scan, using this practice as a form of promoting relaxation.
Remind your child to be gentle with themselves. They don’t have to outdo anyone else. It’s most important for your teen to be true to who they are.
Be sure to create positive, memorable moments by having your teen choose activities to do with you and/or the whole family or some friends.
Each step that your teen takes to learn about themselves helps to create a positive future. When they feel secure in your support, this becomes more assured. It takes time and patience. We at Mindful Healing are here to support you as a parent, today and those yet to come.
