Even before the pandemic, the number of teens with anxiety was rising. In 2019, the National Institutes of Health found that 1 out of 3 teens had an anxiety disorder. This was a 20 percent increase since 2007. Now, that ratio is higher, thanks to the events of the past two years (and counting).
Not all anxiety is bad. In fact, we’re hard-wired to protect ourselves through such warnings. An anxiety disorder, however, is another story. It can hamper a teen’s ability to function on a daily basis. Left unaddressed, anxious teens grow to become anxious adults. Fortunately, today’s parents can help prevent this cycle.
Why Do Today’s Teens Experience Anxiety?
Of course, the reasons are innumerable and can be very specific for individuals. Even so, there are some common themes:
Take a Look Around
Social unrest, political division, health scares, school shootings—the list goes on. Being a teenager does not make you immune from ruminating over the steady flow of frightening news.
Expectations
The world has changed an awful lot over the past couple of decades. For example, there has never been more pressure for a teen to succeed—in school and elsewhere. Consider this: 18 percent of incoming freshmen felt overwhelmed with all they had to do in 1985. Today, that number is over 40 percent.
Social Media
Here’s the 800-pound gorilla in the room. On average, kids create their first social media platform by age 12. Then, everything changes. A teen’s life becomes influenced by, for example, a culture of comparison, cyberbullying, easily accessible pornography, and more. This usually adds up to more pressure and less self-esteem.
6 Tips to Help Your Anxious Teen
1. Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Validate their concerns and emotions. Tell them directly that you’re available to listen, help, and reassure.
2. Don’t Say Any of This
No one—I mean no one—struggling with anxiety wants to be told to “stop worrying.” You may mean well, but avoid empty advice like:
- “Don’t worry about it.”
- “Everyone is stressed. Get used to it.”
- “Everything is going to work out fine.”
- “If you think you’re stressed now, wait until you’re an adult.”
- “Toughen up and get through it.”
Again, this is not an attack on anyone for using versions of these statements. But it is an urgent request to replace such comments with active listening.
3. Monitor Their Social Media Activity
Teens are tech-savvy and will be able to hide stuff from you. Still, do your best to get a sense of what your child is sharing with their circle. I’m not suggesting you do anything sneaky that would betray a trust. Just keep an eye on things.
4. Educate Yourself and Share What You Learn
An anxiety disorder is not the same as worrying or feeling nervous. Dig deep to inform yourself about what your child is going through. Sit down with them to share this information.
5. Walk That Fine Line Between Support, Control, and Enabling
This can feel like a minefield, but it is essential. Show them support but don’t tell them what to do. Listen and be present but don’t enable behavior that will worsen their condition. You would be well-served to consult with a therapist on your own to learn more about this delicate balance.
6. Encourage Them to Practice Self-Care
The body can end up taking the brunt of anxiety’s symptoms. You can support your child by emphasizing the importance of them getting enough quality sleep, eating healthy meals, and engaging in daily physical activity.
Keep in mind that you, your teen, or both of you can benefit greatly from speaking with a mental health professional. I’d love to help you navigate this tricky journey, you can contact me through this website or you can book an appointment to get help dealing with teenage anxiety.
