Almost every teen at some point has been anxious before, whether it’s for an exam, a speech, a basketball game, a competition, or even a date; these are normal activities that teens react to. However, for some teens, anxiety is greater than that. Having an anxiety disorder is more than just worrying too much, it is excessive fear and distress that impacts everyday life. But the problem is, how do you know if a teen’s anxiety is a disorder or not? Well, here are 5 signs of anxiety in teens to be aware of.
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Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety in teens can negatively interfere with their daily lives, affecting their relationships, participation in activities, and schoolwork. There can be multiple potential reasons why teens have anxiety, and often they influence each other. Sometimes it is very complicated to narrow it down to the exact cause, and not all anxiety is related to being a teenager. There are many factors that could be the reason why teens develop anxiety including genetics and life experiences. This includes social media, parent disapproval, high expectations, hormones, peer pressure, depression, isolation, and school performance.
Signs of Anxiety in Teens
It is important to know that every teen may experience anxiety differently as it varies from person to person. Anxiety is a form of youth mental illness, and recognizing the symptoms early on can make a huge difference. Here are a few to look for in your teen:
1. Social Changes
- Avoiding interactions with friends
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Noticeable drop in social interactions overall
- Spending time alone from friends and family
2. Sleep Changes
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Inability to stay asleep
- Frequent nightmares
3. Emotional Changes
- Irritability and changes in mood and behavior
- Struggles with concentration
- Restlessness
- Focusing on negative thoughts
- Unexplained outbursts
- Difficulty relaxing
4. Physical Changes
- Muscle tension
- Stomach aches or headaches; digestive issues
- Nausea, sweating, and shaking
- Excessive Fatigue
- Changes in eating habits
5. Panic Attacks
Not every teen with anxiety has panic attacks, but it’s serious and something to look out for. Here are a few of the symptoms:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating and trembling
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
How Modern Psych Can Help Teens
Teenagers’ experiences of anxiety can have a lasting impact on their development and who they become. Early detection and treatments can prevent serious outcomes, which is why it is important to recognize the signs of anxiety in teens. At Modern Psychiatry and Wellness, we provide personalized mental health services for adolescents ages 12-17. Teenagers with anxiety or any other mental health issues will receive personalized assessment and treatment plans for their concerns. At Modern Psychiatry and Wellness, we offer services for all ages, if you need help or know someone who does, please contact us or email us at mpwyouth@modernpsych.com.
