Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Nearly one in five teens will experience anxiety at some point during their teenage years. Although anxiety is a normal part of development, it can become debilitating if left untreated – disrupting everyday life and making routine tasks even more difficult.
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own unique set of symptoms. However, there are some common anxiety warning signs in teens that may indicate a teen is struggling and needs additional help. If you notice your teen exhibiting any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek treatment with a therapist or at a residential treatment facility.
Common Anxiety Warning Signs in Teens
While this list is by no means exhaustive, it can help you keep an eye out for anything that might be changing in your teen’s behavior. If you notice any of these anxiety warning signs in your teen, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional for help.
Persistent Worry or Stress
Do you find that your teen is constantly worrying or stressed? Are they worried about things that seem irrational or unlikely? Do they have difficulty relaxing or sleeping? These may be signs of an anxiety disorder. This type of persistent pressure may also cause burnout or compound other mental health concerns, like depression.
Physical Symptoms
Many people with anxiety disorders experience physical symptoms like frequent stomach trouble, excessive sweating, or cold hands and feet. If you notice these anxiety warning signs in your teen, it could be one of the more unusual indications that their mental health is deteriorating.
Avoidance Behaviors
Does your teen avoid participating in activities they used to enjoy? Do they skip school or social events? These may be signs that they’re struggling specifically with social anxiety. It may also be a sign that they’re experiencing too much pressure at school or bullying.
Changes in Mood
Are you noticing changes in your teen’s mood? Are they more irritable than usual? Are they having difficulty concentrating? These can all be warning signs of anxiety in teens, but they may not know how to talk to you about their concerns. Be the one to reach out first to see what you can do to help.
What to do Next?
Unfortunately, anxiety does typically get worse over time without treatment, so what starts out small may result in major disruptions. If you notice any of these anxiety warning signs in your teen, don’t hesitate to reach out to various resources for help. Early intervention is key when it comes to treating anxiety disorders. With proper treatment, teens can learn how to manage their anxiety and live happy, healthy lives.
Find Help for Teen Anxiety at Ascend
Anxiety is a common but often misunderstood mental health disorder. Ascend’s team of mental health professionals, medical staff, and facility managers are here to help your teen confront their anxiety and learn how to manage future obstacles with better coping skills.
Our residential treatment facilities provide teens with a chance to reset away from the stress of their normal environment, and we offer a variety of evidence-based treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Harm Reduction, to promote healing and wellness.
If you’re interested in one of our programs, contact us today at 310.388.3713 or reach out online to learn more about our anxiety treatment programs for teens.
