4 Things You Need to Know About Adolescent Anxiety
Anxiety is like fire: it can either provide warmth and protection or spiral out of control and cause destruction. A certain level of anxiety is natural and even beneficial—it keeps us alert in potentially dangerous situations. For instance, feeling anxious while walking alone at night can heighten awareness and readiness to react.
However, for many individuals, particularly adolescents, anxiety becomes a persistent presence rather than an occasional response. Everyday experiences like walking into a classroom or meeting new people can feel overwhelming. The more these distressing experiences occur, the more ingrained anxiety becomes, eventually turning into a chronic condition.
Here are four essential insights for parents and teachers about adolescent anxiety:
Anxiety Manifests as Both Negative Thoughts and Physical Symptoms - Anxiety often starts with negative thoughts such as, “No one will like me” or “I’m going to embarrass myself.” These thoughts trigger physical symptoms like stomach aches, nausea, trembling, and shallow breathing. Teaching adolescents to recognize and challenge these thoughts (e.g., “This might be awkward, but I’ll be okay”) while using physical coping strategies like deep breathing can empower them to manage their anxiety rather than avoid it.
Problem-Solving Skills Help Build Resilience Against Anxiety - Life is full of uncertainty, and while parents help young children navigate challenges, adolescents need to develop problem-solving skills to manage discomfort. Avoidance only strengthens anxiety, whereas facing uncertainty head-on and working through problems fosters resilience and confidence.
The Adolescent Brain is More Sensitive to Stress - Adolescence is a time of significant hormonal and neurological changes, making teens more susceptible to stress. Situations that may seem minor to adults can feel overwhelming to young people, intensifying their anxiety and making it more difficult to cope.
Anxiety Can Become a Self-Perpetuating Cycle - When adolescents are anxious, the adults around them often pick up on and react to their distress. If parents and teachers become overly anxious or controlling in response, it can reinforce the teen’s fear rather than alleviate it. Modeling calm and constructive coping strategies helps break the cycle and provides young people with a supportive environment to manage their anxiety effectively.
If you or someone you love is struggling with anxiety, therapy can provide valuable support. Reach out today to learn more about how I can help.
