When you suspect that your teen is suffering from an anxiety-based disorder, it is important to take the time to assess the situation and act accordingly. This is because such disorders can quickly develop into more serious mental health conditions, such as depression.
Even though anxiety disorders don’t discriminate based on age, recent reports and studies indicate a rising rate of anxiety in teens today. More and more teenagers are struggling to cope with the pressures placed upon them and find themselves struggling with their mental health as a result.
There are a variety of things that can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder. Since teenagers are not always forthcoming with their parents about the going on in their lives, it is important to make yourself aware of what those causes tend to be. The more knowledge that you are equipped with regarding mental health conditions, the more capable you will be of helping your teen get the help they need if they develop such a condition.
With that in mind, here are three of the more common causes of anxiety in teens today.
1. Past Trauma
Trauma is a complicated matter when it comes to mental health. Some people can work through traumatic experiences, while others feel their effects for many years after the fact.
When it comes to teenagers, anything from physical or mental abuse to bullying at school can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder. If you are aware that your teen has experienced any sort of trauma in their lives, it is important that you are on the lookout for the development of an anxiety disorder. Teen anxiety treatment is readily available for those who need it.
2. Current Pressures
These days, teenagers are constantly facing pressure from family, peers, and society, in general, to meet certain expectations in their lives. Everything from their physical appearance to their personal interests and hobbies is being analyzed and judged.
Furthermore, many teens tend to place pressure on themselves to achieve certain things in life. Any perceived failure can send them spiraling and wondering how they will ever live up to the expectations placed on them.
If your teen struggles with feeling pressure, it is important to engage in an open and honest dialogue about it. Talking things through and frequently checking in with your teen to see how they are coping with things can make a world of difference in this regard.
3. Drinking and Drug Use
The link between mental health and certain substances, such as alcohol and recreational drugs, is undeniable. This can be particularly true regarding adolescents due to the fact that they are undergoing a great deal of brain development.
Teenagers tend to face peer pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Unfortunately, overusing such substances can lead to the development of an anxiety disorder. If you suspect that your teen has been using drugs or drinking, make sure that you do what you can to communicate with them about the risks involved in such practices.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a terrible thing for teenagers to go through and is something that is unfortunately on the rise. Thankfully there are solutions and ways to better manage the condition. By learning about the most common triggers of anxiety, you’ll be better equipped to help a struggling teen in the future.