It’s not always easy to tell if your teenager is struggling with mental or emotional issues.
Teenagers are notorious for going through phases and keeping their emotions from their parents. But
this begs the question: how do you tell if your teen is struggling with an emotional problem, such as
anxiety?
Because your teen may not directly come to you with their concerns, it’s up to you to pay close attention
and attempt to identify the signs.
Here are some common signs of anxiety in teens to help you spot when your child may be struggling.
They Avoid Socialization
It’s very common for teenagers to experience social anxiety. Some teenagers just aren’t very social, and
that’s okay. If your child has always been shy or introverted, then it probably isn’t a big deal if they
express these characteristics in their teenage years.
However, if it seems like your teenager is much less social than they used to be, this could be a sign of
anxiety. Pay attention to how they interact with friends and family members to better judge if they seem
anxious or anti-social. Also, consider reaching out to your teen’s teachers to understand how they
interact in school social settings.
They Seem Nervous or Edgy
Another common symptom of anxiety is extreme nervousness. Does it seem like your teenager is on
edge? They may also seem irritable or easily angered. Either can be a sign of anxiety, so pay close
attention to these moods.
Also, note how they act in public. If they seem incredibly nervous for no particular reason, it could be a
sign of anxiety.
Their Sleep Is Disturbed
Anxiety tends to mess with sleeping patterns. Does it seem like your teen is always tired during the day,
but wide awake at night? Or have they expressed recent difficulties in getting to sleep? If so, this could
very well be a sign of anxiety.
They’re Experiencing Physical Symptoms
People commonly associate anxiety with mental symptoms, but there can be plenty of physical
symptoms too. For example, anxiety can cause digestive problems, headaches, fatigue, and aches and
pains that otherwise don’t have a cause.
Talk to your teen about the symptoms they’re experiencing. If there doesn’t seem to be a physical cause
of their pain, don’t write it off. The physical symptoms could very well be a sign of your child’s anxiety.
Their Grades Are Slipping
When teenagers are going through an emotional crisis, it’s common that they may start performing
badly in school. This is especially a cause for concern if your child used to do well academically.
Teenagers spend a huge chunk of their lives at school, so their teachers may be able to offer some
helpful insight into any changes in behavior. Talk with them and express your concerns.
Ask them if there have been any negative changes in your teen’s academic performance or if your child’s behavior
has seemed off lately.
Helping Your Teenager With Managing Their Anxiety
If you fear that your child is suffering from anxiety, have an honest conversation with them about it.
Express your concerns in a calm, non-accusatory way. Simply explain that you only want to help them
with whatever it is they’re going through.
If your teenager agrees that they have been feeling anxious, make an appointment with a therapist as
soon as possible.
It can be hard for teenagers to come forward with such a vulnerable issue. And often, they don’t have the
resources to seek out help themselves. As a parent, you can aid your child with whatever it is they’re
struggling with, as long as you pay close attention to their behaviors and intervene at an appropriate
time.
A therapist can provide guidance and support so your teen can learn to cope with their anxiety and find
healthy, effective means for managing the symptoms.
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If you suspect your teen is suffering from anxiety, don’t hesitate in reaching out to us for more
information about our counseling services.
To find out more about our services click here: Teen Therapy
