Anxiety is a common experience for many teenagers, but it can still be overwhelming and difficult to manage. Understanding anxiety and how to cope with it can make a big difference in your daily life. It is important to note that anxiety is positive and necessary on some occasions. We need a certain amount of anxiety to alert us to danger, to motivate us to be responsible, study for exams, be on time for appointments, wake up for work, and make good decisions. However, when anxiety becomes overwhleming, to the point of panic, stress, avoidance, and even paralysis, it results in a decrease in academic and overall performance as well as daily functioning.
1. What are the symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety is a normal and natural response to stress, but it may indicate an anxiety disorder when it becomes persistent and interferes with daily activities. Some common anxiety symptoms include persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or sweating. Other physical symptoms of anxiety include headaches, muscle aches, stomacheaches, or being easily fatigued. In addition, symptoms include feeling wound up or on edge, being irritable, or having difficulty concentrating.
2. Understanding triggers.
Teenagers need to understand what triggers their anxiety so that they can work to manage it. Triggers can be different for everyone, but some common triggers for anxiety include stress at school, relationships, and social events. Therapy can help both teenagers and adults understand their triggers so they know how to identify them early and cope with their anxiety more effectively so it does not impact their life. Therapy can also help people understand the negative thoughts that are causing their feelings of anxiety such as “People think I am stupid.” or “If I talk to someone, they will reject me.” Once a person understands their thoughts, they can learn how to change them, which will then decrease their overall anxiety and will result in them feeling better.
3. Coping strategies
There are many effective strategies for managing anxiety. Some strategies include deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, and identifying and changing negative thought patterns. It can also be helpful to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as reading, art, or spending time with friends.
4. Support
Having a supportive network can make a big difference in managing anxiety. This can include friends, family, or a mental health professional. Talking to someone about your feelings can help relieve some of the stress and provide you with coping strategies.
5. Seeking help
If you feel like your anxiety is becoming difficult to manage, and it is impacting your functioning or your child’s functioning, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Anxiety can be a challenge, but it can be managed with the right tools and support. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available. You can lead a fulfilling and joyful life by taking small steps to manage your anxiety and seeking support from those around you.
We can help you get through this difficult time. Contact Us at https://applepsychological.janeapp.com/ or call us at 917-526-0766 . An experienced counselor specializing in Anxiety Treatment can help.