Anxiety in Teens: What You Should Know and How You Can Help

Between 2007 and 2012, anxiety in children and teens actually went up to 20%. According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 1 out of every 3 adolescents between 13-18 years old experience an anxiety disorder. 
This leads many of us, especially parents, to wonder what's happening and what anxiety in teens entail. Read on to learn more about anxiety in teens and what you can do to help.
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What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety is a normal feeling to experience during tense or scary situations. This is usually described as a sense of worry, fear, dread, uneasiness, or nervousness about what is happening right now or in the future. This feeling is different from fear, which we feel when in presence of a threat.  Anxiety is the sense of an anticipated threat or danger.

Such feelings can range from mild to intense. However, in some cases, it can go beyond manageable, which may be an anxiety disorder.

An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves excessive and/or intense amounts of anxiety, dread, fear, nervousness, or worry. It may cause one to feel distracted, preoccupied, tense, and/or always on alert mode. 

This disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions today, affecting people of all ages.  But one thing all of these anxiety disorders have in common is that anxiety would occur too often and would be too strong, being an "abnormal" reaction to the current situation. The disorder and its symptoms would also affect a person's daily life and overall happiness.

The symptoms of anxiety disorders can come unexpectedly, or build up gradually, lingering until the person realizes something is wrong. It may also arise when exposed to triggers, with people having different triggers depending on their environment and individual trauma.

What’s Causing Anxiety in Teens?

As mentioned, anxiety disorders in teens are on the rise. While there isn't one main cause, there may be a few factors that contribute to the rising numbers. Besides genetics, individual brain chemistry, life events, and personality, there is more to be taken into consideration, such as:

• Today's youth are now feeling even more pressure for success compared to the previous generation. A survey done yearly by the Higher Education Research asks incoming college freshmen if they feel overwhelmed with their current tasks and responsibilities. In 2016, 41% of participants responded yes, compared to the 20% back in 2000.
• With an increase in school shootings, school drills and lockdowns, and even more danger around public areas, children are under more stress than ever before.
• Teens are very much connected to social media, so it comes as no surprise that their worldview and self-esteem may become negatively affected, constantly comparing their lives to others.

Wrapping It Up
Whatever the main cause of the rising numbers of anxiety in teens, it’s time to make the change and take the first step. This can prevent any drastic symptoms from occurring, such as depression, substance abuse, or even self-harm and suicide. 
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Be aware of the signs and symptoms and talk to your teen regarding any potential stressors and how to handle them together. Also, be mindful of your expectations towards your children and build a healthy home environment for them to feel safe and free from triggers. If required, it may be time to take them to a mental health professional to get the appropriate treatment they need.