Anxiety Symptoms in Teens: All The Major Concerns A Parent & Guardian Must be Aware Of

How different is anxiety in teenagers when compared to children?

It's essential to recognize that anxiety in teens differs from anxiety in children. As kids grow and develop, their worries and difficulties shift, and teenagers are no exception.

While younger children may be anxious about external factors such as animals or a dark room or space, teenagers are more likely to be stressed about themselves - their performance in school or sports, their social status-that is, the way others see them or judge them, and of course the apparent changes their bodies go through.

For some teens with anxiety, their symptoms and signs have been present within them for many years. Maybe the parents might have noticed the signs, or maybe not, and it can have been left untreated. However, as they enter middle and high school and focus more on their peers, these anxiety symptoms or triggers can resurface and become much more severe. Others who may not have been diagnosed with anxiety in childhood can develop new forms unique to adolescence, such as social anxiety and panic attacks.

Regardless of the cause or type of anxiety, it's essential for parents to help an anxious child, guardians, and teachers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of anxiety in teens and to seek therapy for teens if necessary. 

By understanding anxious teenagers' challenges, we can better support them and help them thrive during this challenging phase in their lives.

What are the major concerns that trigger anxiety symptoms in teens?

As a parent, being concerned or worried about your kid is something you can never avoid. Especially if your seemingly fun kid suddenly tucks under her bed one fine day. This is why accounting for the possible concerns that could trigger your child's anxiety symptoms is essential. Here are a few possible concerns that trigger anxiety symptoms in teens.

Academic Pressure: The pressure to excel in school is a common source of anxiety for teenagers. This pressure can come from parents, teachers, and peers. Teens may feel that their entire future is riding on their academic performance, which can create a sense of pressure and stress. High academic expectations can also lead to perfectionism and a constant need to over-achieve, which can cause anxiety.

Social Pressure: Adolescence is a time when teenagers become more focused on their peers and social status. The desire to fit in and be accepted can be all-consuming. The fear of being rejected or judged by their peers can lead to social anxiety, which can make it difficult for teens to interact with others.

Family Issues: Family conflict, sepration anxiety, divorce, or financial problems can be major stressors for teens. These issues can create a sense of instability and uncertainty, which can trigger anxiety. Teens may also worry about the impact of these issues on their family relationships.

Health Concerns: Teens may worry about their health, especially if they have a chronic illness or a family history of health problems. They may also worry about their weight or physical appearance, which can lead to body dysmorphia or eating disorders. Health concerns can create a sense of uncertainty and fear about the future.

Trauma: Teens who have experienced trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, may develop anxiety as a result. Trauma can cause long-term emotional and psychological effects that can impact a teen's mental health. Teens who have experienced trauma may also struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.

It's important to note that while these are common triggers, each teenager is unique and may experience anxiety for different reasons. By being aware of these common triggers, parents can better support their teens and help them manage their anxiety symptoms. 

How to identify the anxiety symptoms in teens?

Identifying the symptoms of anxiety in teens can be challenging, as teenagers often hide their feelings or express them in ways that may be misunderstood. Symptoms can include physical signs like fatigue and headaches, as well as emotional signs such as irritability, avoidance, and excessive worrying. It's essential to be observant and attentive to these signs to provide appropriate support. Every teen boy and girl manifests anxiety symptoms in their unique ways. This is why I have bifurcated this session into two categories:

1. Anxiety symptoms in girls

Anxiety can affect anyone, regardless of gender, but research suggests that girls may be more likely to experience anxiety than boys. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), girls are twice as likely as boys to develop an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.

Some of the common anxiety symptoms that girls may experience include:

• Excessive worrying: Teenage girls with anxiety may worry excessively about everyday events or activities, such as school, social situations, and relationships. They may also worry about things that are unlikely to happen or out of their control.
• Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension. Girls with anxiety disorder symptoms can experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite.
• Avoidance behaviors: Due to anxiety symptoms teen girls may avoid situations or activities that make them anxious, such as going to school, social events, or even leaving the house.
• Perfectionism: Teenage girls may feel pressure to be perfect in every aspect of their lives, which can lead to anxiety. They may set high expectations for themselves and feel disappointed or anxious when they fall short.
• Social anxiety: They might struggle with social anxiety, which can make it difficult for them to interact with others. They may fear being judged or rejected by their peers and avoid social situations as a result.
• Low Self-Esteem: Girls may struggle with low self-esteem, which can contribute to anxiety. They may feel that they are not good enough or that they are constantly being evaluated by others.

2. Anxiety symptoms in boys

Mostly the symptoms of anxiety in teen girls and boys are very similar sometimes it is just the actions to that anxiousness that are different. Here are some common anxiety symptoms that teenage boys may experience:

• Physical symptoms: Like girls, teenage boys with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension. They may also experience fatigue, trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite.
• Avoidance behaviors: Boys with anxiety may avoid situations or activities that make them anxious, such as social situations or going to school. They may also withdraw from friends and family.
• Irritability: Anxiety can make boys feel irritable and moody. They may become easily frustrated or angry and have outbursts of emotion.
• Restlessness: Boys with anxiety may have trouble sitting still and may fidget or tap their feet. They may also have trouble concentrating.
• Fearfulness: Boys may be fearful of specific things or situations, such as spiders, heights, or storms. They may also worry excessively about the future or potential negative outcomes.

By now, you should have clarity over the significant concerns and symptoms of anxiety in teens that you all must be aware of. As I mentioned in the introduction, anxiety is a very natural emotion. No matter who it is, regardless of age or gender. It only becomes an issue when it starts affecting you daily. Did you know around 3.1% of the US population has an anxiety disorder? And let me tell you, this is a generic number; imagine what the stats would be if we started to look for anxiety in teens. 

Read along to know more.

How common is anxiety in teens ?

Anxiety disorders are a prevalent mental health concern affecting millions of teenagers in the United States. According to the Child Mind Institute, specific phobias are the most common type of anxiety disorder among teens, affecting 19.3% of teenagers. Meanwhile, social and separation anxiety affect 9.1% and 7.6% of teens, respectively. The reports also state that Panic disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder affect 2.3% and 2.2% of teens.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 8.3% of teenagers or adolescents experience severe impairment, affecting their performance in school, relationships, and overall well-being.

Interestingly, the prevalence of anxiety disorders differs between female and male teens. The NIMH reports that 38% of female teens have an anxiety disorder, while 26.1% of male teens have an anxiety disorder proving the fact we had discussed while talking about the symptoms in teen girls and boys.

As a parent or teacher, it's essential to be aware of the prevalence of anxiety disorders in teenagers and learn to identify the symptoms. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in managing anxiety symptoms and helping teens live fulfilling life. 

What are the common treatment approaches for teens with anxiety?

As mentioned earlier anxiety disorders are treatable conditions, and there are several approaches that can help teenagers manage their symptoms effectively. Treatment for anxiety disorders usually involves a combination of medication and therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of talk therapy for treating anxiety disorders in teens. This therapeutic approach focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Experienced CBT therapist with help of this type of therapy teaches teens how to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic ones. By changing the way they think, adolescents can learn to change the way they feel and behave in anxiety-provoking situations.

Exposure therapy is another type of therapy that can be beneficial for your teen child with anxiety. It involves gradually exposing the kids to the situations or objects that trigger their anxiety, allowing them to become more comfortable with them over time. The goal of exposure therapy is to help them confront their fears and learn that the anxiety will eventually subside. It can sound very challenging, but trust me it is a highly effective treatment for anxiety disorders.

Other types of therapy that can be helpful for teens with anxiety include mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy combines the principles of CBT with mindfulness techniques to help teens stay present in the moment and reduce anxiety whereas Dialectical behavior therapy focuses on teaching your teen kids how to regulate their emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and cope with stress.

So as you can see, therapy is a valuable tool for treating anxiety symptoms in teens. It provides a safe and supportive environment for young adults to explore their thoughts and feelings and learn coping skills to manage the symptoms. However, the key to a successful session is to find the right mental health therapist who specializes in treating anxiety disorders and who has experience working with teens. 

On a parting note

Identifying anxiety symptoms in teens can be challenging, but knowing the warning signs and seeking professional help can make a significant difference. Remember, anxiety disorders are treatable, and with the right help and support, teens can learn to manage their anxiety and lead fulfilling lives.

At Lifebulb, our team of experienced anxiety therapists for both in-persona and online therapy have worked with teenage kids earlier can help your teen child overcome their worries and vulnerabilities within a reasonable time. If you suspect your teen is struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to contact us. 

By working together, we can help our kids build resilience and healthily manage their anxiety.