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Teen Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety is among the most common mental health disorders in teens. Here you’ll learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment for teen anxiety.

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What percentage of teens have anxiety
What Percent of Teens Have Anxiety?

What Is Teenage Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders refer to feelings of anxiousness that don’t go away or even worsen over time, and often affect a person’s day-to-day responsibilities.

Teenage anxiety goes beyond the normal feelings that many young people experience. Teens often face a number of challenges that cause them to feel stressed, sad, or anxious.

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Anxiety In A Teenager?

Although anxiety is a mental illness, it can also affect the body and present physical symptoms.

Some common signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders in teenagers can include:

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Feeling tense, nervous, or restless
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Increased heart rate
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Having trouble concentrating
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Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
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Fatigue and irritability
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Having trouble sleeping
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Sweating
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Isolating or withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
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Problems in school
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Repeated worries or fear about everyday things
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Sandstone Care provides age specific care for those who struggle with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders. We have treatment centers throughout the United States.

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Care for wherever you are in your journey.

Access a full range of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Whether you need a safe transitional living community, inpatient care, or outpatient therapy, we have a program to help.

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Sandstone Care is here to help. Even if we’re not the right fit, we’ll help you find and take the next step to treat teen anxiety.

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Ways to Cope with Anxiety

Is Anxiety A Mental Illness?

Yes, anxiety is a mental illness.

There is a misconception that anxiety is not a real problem and that everybody deals with it.

While many people may get anxious from time to time, anxiety disorders are a mental illness and should be taken seriously so that people, especially teens, can get the help they need.

How Can A Teenager’s Parents Help?

Being a part of a strong support network helps the whole treatment and recovery process.

A teenager’s parents can help by being present and open. Ensure them that you are there to support and help when they need you.

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, you can help get them treatment and helpful resources by reaching out to their health care provider.

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Talk to your Teen
Talk about their feelings, interests, and the things going on in their lives. The more you know, the better you can notice something wrong or understand how you can help them.
Be a Good Role Model
By taking care of your mental health, you are more capable of being there for your teen. If they see you practicing healthy habits and coping mechanisms, they have an example to follow when they may be struggling.
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What Are The Different Types Of Anxiety Disorders?

Different types of anxiety disorders include:

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Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Someone with GAD worries about everyday issues such as school, work, and family. However, a person will experience these worries almost every day for at least six months.

Panic disorder

Someone with panic disorder will experience panic attacks. Panic attacks refer to a sudden wave of fear or discomfort based on perceived danger rather than imminent danger.

Phobias

Someone with a phobia has an intense or excessive fear of something that commonly poses little or no harm.

Separation anxiety

A child with separation anxiety experiences extreme anxiety when they are apart from their parents or family. Children with separation anxiety may fear being lost from their family or that something bad may happen while they’re away.

Types of Therapy Treatments for Anxiety

Struggling with mental illness can feel isolating, and it can be hard to believe that anyone else would understand what you are going through.

 

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Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help teens build skills and techniques they can use for the rest of their lives. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps a person to identify negative thoughts and feelings that may lead to destructive behaviors.
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Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is used as an effective approach for many different types of mental health disorders. DBT focuses on four main skills: mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance.
Group Therapy
Group therapy can help by creating connections and allowing teens to open up about difficult feelings and experiences to learn from one another.
Family Therapy
Family therapy opens up a line of communication for the whole family to share their feelings and experiences so they can better understand one another.
Academic Support
Teens are equipped with tools they can use to reach their goals which can build their confidence and help them to live the lives they want.
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What Are The Main Causes Of Teenage Anxiety?

The single cause of anxiety is unknown. Social media can also play a role in the mental health of teens and young adults. Social media can contribute to issues with self-esteem, self-worth, and a teen’s body image because of unrealistic standards.

However, general risk factors for anxiety disorders can include:

Experiencing stressful or traumatic events
Family history of anxiety or other mental health illnesses
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Certain physical health conditions
Substance abuse
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How Does Anxiety In Teenagers Affect Their Life?

Anxiety can affect many aspects of a teenager’s life and overall well-being.

It can make it difficult for teens to interact with others in social situations for fear of being rejected or made fun of. Anxiety can make a teen feel isolated and impact their self-worth and confidence.

Anxiety also affects everyday responsibilities like school and family life. A teen with anxiety may have trouble performing in school and they may find it difficult to feel motivated and achieve things they once wanted to do.

Can Teenagers Recover From Anxiety?
Yes, many different types of treatments can help teens with anxiety to manage their anxious feelings and symptoms and live healthy and happy lives.
Is All Anxiety The Same?
No, not all anxiety is the same. There are various types of anxiety, which may manifest in different ways.

 

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When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Anxiety?

If your child is having problems in school or with friends and family due to feelings of constant anxiousness or nervousness, it may be a sign to get help.

If you notice that your child may have anxiety or shows warning signs of anxiety, it is important to seek help from a professional such as their healthcare provider.

Teens with anxiety may also turn to substance use as a way to self-medicate. Substance use disorders and mental health disorders like anxiety commonly co-occur with each other. Each can cause symptoms of either disorder to worsen.

Early intervention is important and effective if your teen is struggling with substance abuse.

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How Can You Help Teens Who Are Exhibiting Signs Of Anxiety?

Try to be patient, open, and understanding. Remind them that you are there when they need you.

One thing you can do to help teens who experience anxiety is by educating yourself. The more you know, the better you can understand any warning signs, how to help, and treatment options, if needed.

Having strong and healthy communication between you and your teen goes a long way. Giving them a space where they can express their feelings and what they are going through can help you understand how to give them support.

The way you respond to things can make a difference. When you yell or get angry when they share their feelings with you, it can make them feel uncomfortable going to you and lead them to suppress their feelings and what they are going through.

Encourage healthy activities, stress-relieving, and coping mechanisms. Going outside, exercising, journaling, and practicing healthy eating and sleeping habits are all examples of ways teens may manage anxiety symptoms.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Anxiety Medication?
Reach out to their healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis, get a referral to a mental health professional, and determine the most suitable and effective treatment plan.
What Is The Best Treatment For Anxiety In Teens?
Talk therapy, specifically CBT, has proven to be effective in treating teen anxiety. According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders in teens.
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Teen Anxiety Treatment Centers

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Buffalo Grove Mental Health Center

Buffalo Grove Mental Health Center

195 N Arlington Heights Rd #101b, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, 60089

(888) 850-1890
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Towson Mental Health Center

Towson Mental Health Center

521 East Joppa Road, Suite 203, Towson, Maryland, 21286

410-881-8634
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Colorado Springs Mental Health Center

Colorado Springs Mental Health Center

5735 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80918

719-621-5732
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Reston Mental Health Center

Reston Mental Health Center

11415 Isaac Newton Square S, Reston, Virginia, 20190

703-260-9359
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
North Bethesda Mental Health Center

North Bethesda Mental Health Center

11820 Parklawn Dr. #400, Rockville, Maryland, 20852

301-786-0392
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Boulder Facility

Boulder Mental Health Center

350 Interlocken Blvd #106, Broomfield, Colorado, 80021

720-740-3398
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Denver Mental Health Center

Denver Mental Health Center

7555 E Hampden Ave #102, Denver, Colorado, 80231

720-605-0627
Age Groups: TeensYoung Adults
Levels of Care: Partial Hospitalization (PHP)Intensive Outpatient (IOP)Assessments
Treatment Programs: Mental Health
Maryland Teen Rehab

Maryland Teen Rehab

2020 Martins Grant Ct., Crownsville, Maryland, 21032

667-458-6880
Age Groups: Teens
Levels of Care: ResidentialAssessments
Treatment Programs: Mental HealthSubstance UseDual-Diagnosis

FAQs

You have questions about teen anxiety and we have answers.

Our goal is to provide the most helpful information. Please reach out to us if you have any additional questions. We are here to help in any way we can.

Yelling at a child can lead to a number of different negative outcomes.

Yelling can cause feelings of shame, hurt, and sadness. Over time, the stress that comes with these feelings may contribute to developing mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Yelling is typically representative of anger and can also cause children to become more aggressive because it is the behavior that they are used to.

It is important to consult with your teen’s doctor and their treatment team on whether anxiety medication is the best course of treatment.

Treatment plans should be individualized and designed specifically for each person’s unique needs. What works for one teen may not work for another.

It can sometimes take different approaches to find what treatments work best.

Sometimes, therapies can produce the same or even better results than medication for anxiety.

Some parents or teens may be hesitant to take medication for anxiety. It can be helpful to try various therapies to determine the effectiveness and whether medication is even needed.

Some medications can cause common side effects such as drowsiness, headaches, or dizziness.

It is important to consult with your health care provider on whether or not anxiety medication is safe for you or your teen and what your options are.

Natural remedies for anxiety involve healthy habits.

Staying active and outside can help your body naturally regulate and improve your mood.

Eating a balanced diet and limiting the amount of caffeine you drink can also play a role in managing anxiety symptoms.

Practicing mindfulness helps a person be present in the moment and increase their self-awareness. Examples of ways you can practice mindfulness are through meditation, journaling, or slow breathing.

Some people may also turn to natural vitamins or herbs to help with anxiety symptoms. It is important to consult your doctor before taking anything to ensure it is safe to use.

Some research suggests that antihistamines like Benadryl may help manage some anxiety symptoms.

However, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the safety of its use.

There is not much research on the safety and effectiveness of Benadryl being used as an anxiety treatment, and it is not commonly prescribed for anxiety treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health reported that an estimated 31.9% of adolescents ages 13 to 18 had any anxiety disorder.

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health disorders that young teens struggle with.

It is completely normal for a 14-year-old to have anxiety, and there are different therapies and treatments that can help young teens.

According to Child Psychiatry and Human Development, overcontrolling behaviors may be linked with feelings of worry that can contribute to anxiety.Parents typically aren’t the sole cause of anxiety in teens, but their home environment and stressful experiences can play a role.

This is why it is important for parent and family involvement in treating teen anxiety.

Puberty involves many changes in adolescents, both physically and mentally.

According to Developmental Neuroscience, puberty can be associated with an increased vulnerability to certain anxiety disorders.

Puberty can involve changes to a teen’s body and hormones. These changes can impact a teenager’s self-esteem, self-image, and self-worth. These feelings can contribute to anxiety.

The 3 3 3 rule is a mindfulness technique that can be used for children and teens with anxiety.

You start by looking around and identifying three things you see. Then, name 3 sounds you hear, and lastly, move three different types of your body.

This technique can help young people be distracted from their worries and be present in the moment.

Some children’s anxiety may come from the environment they are in.

It is important that you keep in mind that your words and actions have an impact on your children. Maintaining healthy communication, environments, and relationships between your children makes all the difference.

However, it’s important not to place blame for the cause of anxiety in your children. Rather, be involved in the treatment and recovery process to best help your teen.

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We understand taking the first step is difficult. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. We are here to support you in any way we can.