Feeling like you’re constantly on edge, overthinking every little thing, and experiencing physical symptoms like muscle tension or heart palpitations may be signs of anxiety. While it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, worry and fear that interfere with daily life are red flags for a possible anxiety disorder. For teens, it’s especially important to recognize the warning signs of anxiety and seek help if needed.
If you’re looking for ways to identify and address your anxiety, read this blog for an overview of anxiety in teens and what treatment options may help.
What Causes Anxiety in Adolescents?
Adolescence is a time characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social development. However, this transformative period also brings with it a unique set of challenges that could potentially trigger anxiety in some adolescents.
The pressure to perform academically, balance your social life, deal with peer pressure, and navigate personal identity are all significant stressors that can contribute to feelings of anxiety. Puberty and the hormonal changes associated with it can also intensify these feelings, making it difficult for teens to manage on their own.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety isn’t just feeling nervous or worried — it can also manifest in physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, and sleep disturbances. If these symptoms persist and negatively impact daily life, it’s important to recognize them as potential warning signs of anxiety. Some common types of anxiety include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – Persistent worry or fear that interferes with everyday activities.
- Panic Disorder – Overwhelming physical and psychological symptoms that result in distress, known as panic attacks.
- Social Anxiety Disorder – Worry during social interactions due to a fear of being rejected, embarrassed, or humiliated.
- Anticipatory Anxiety Disorder – Unrelenting worry that something will happen in the future for the days or weeks leading up to a specific event.
Top Anxiety Warning Signs
Here are a few of the top warning signs of anxiety:
- Excessive worry and fear about everyday situations
- Difficulty sleeping or experiencing frequent nightmares
- Constant physical symptoms like muscle tension, heart palpitations, and stomach aches
- Avoiding social situations or activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in eating habits
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
- Irritability and mood swings
It’s important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently, so these anxiety warning signs may manifest differently for each individual.
How Anxiety Treatment Can Help
Dealing with anxiety can be tough, and trying to handle it all on your own can sometimes make things more difficult. Anxiety treatment at Ascend is designed to provide the support and strategies you need to manage anxiety effectively, and it’s tailored to fit your specific needs.
Our team of professional therapists utilizes evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking. We also teach valuable coping skills for managing stress and anxiety, from mindfulness techniques to relaxation exercises.
With these tools, you’ll find it easier to identify and deal with anxiety warning signs over time.
Reach Out to Ascend Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Ascend. We offer both residential and outpatient treatment options that prioritize a safe and supportive environment for adolescents to work through their anxiety and develop the skills they need to thrive.
Our compassionate team understands the unique challenges of adolescence and is dedicated to helping our clients overcome anxiety and achieve a happier, healthier life. Contact us today at 310.388.3713 or reach out online to learn more about our adolescent anxiety treatment program.
