Guide for Parenting a Teen with Anxiety

Neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin and dopamine, are responsible for mood regulation and the body’s stress response, among other things. When there are imbalances in these brain chemicals, it can lead to anxiety. During the teenage years, there are many hormonal changes, and fluctuations in hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone contribute to mood swings. The reactivity of the amygdala may also be responsible for anxiety in teens. The amygdala processes emotions, including fear and anxiety. A highly reactive amygdala can lead to increased anxiety.

Anxiety disorder can be genetic and passed down from parents. If a family member struggles or has had an anxiety disorder, then it’s more likely that teens related to this person may develop anxiety too.

The environment that an adolescent or teen is exposed to has a significant effect on their mental health. Factors in the environment such as family dynamics, trauma, peers, school, expectations, and economic factors can all cause teen anxiety. Conflict in the family between, parents, siblings, or extended family can create stress. High expectations academically and socially can also lead to heightened anxiety. And exposure to traumatic events, such as a school shooting, may increase the likelihood of a teen developing anxiety.

Personality types and cognitive functions such as bias and coping can increase the risk of anxiety developing in your teen. For example, if a teen is a perfectionist, they may place too much pressure on themselves to succeed in a certain way. Cognitive bias may cause a teen to draw negative conclusions from specific events and create unnecessary anxiety about a related event in the future. Co-occurring disorders including substance abuse or mental health conditions may also be psychological causes of anxiety.

Parents should practice active listening and empathy when talking to a teenager with anxiety. Create a safe and non-judgmental space where they can express their feelings openly. Parents can show their interest by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back their thoughts and emotions. Do not interrupt or dismiss their concerns, instead try to focus on understanding their perspective. Empathy plays a crucial role in building trust and letting your teenager know that you’re there to support them unconditionally.

It’s vital for parents to avoid judgment and criticism when discussing anxiety with their teenagers. Instead of blaming or invalidating their experiences, approach the conversation with compassion and understanding. Recognize that anxiety is a legitimate condition and that your teenager’s struggles are real to them. Create an atmosphere of acceptance and reassure them that their feelings are valid, fostering an environment where open communication can thrive.

Teenagers with anxiety often experience self-doubt and worry about being judged. Parents can provide reassurance by reminding their teenager that anxiety is a common challenge faced by many, and it doesn’t define their worth or abilities. Validate their emotions and experiences, letting them know that it’s okay to feel anxious and that they’re not alone. Reassure them that you’re there to support them every step of the way, and together, you can find strategies to manage anxiety effectively.

Parents can play a crucial role in helping their teenager develop effective problem-solving strategies for managing anxiety. Collaborate with them to explore coping techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or engaging in hobbies they enjoy. It’s important to encourage them to seek professional help if needed, such as therapy or counseling. You can also teach them coping strategies, such as how to break overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and provide guidance on setting realistic goals. By equipping them with practical tools, parents empower their teenager to take control of their anxiety and build resilience.

Communication is a pillar for healthy relationships. By offering your child open communication you can build trust with them, thus fostering a safe space for them to open up to you about their thoughts and feelings. Parents can practice non-judgmental communication by encouraging their children to express themselves in healthy and safe ways. Offer support for your teenager’s interests, self-expression, and identity. This will create a welcoming and encouraging space for them.

At this stage of a person’s life, it’s crucial that they develop healthy coping strategies and learn to manage their emotions. You can support your adolescents and teens by encouraging healthy lifestyle habits. Show them what it looks like to cope in healthy ways and promote self-care such as creating a nighttime routine that promotes better sleep. It’s also beneficial to encourage therapeutic approaches as an option for handling stress. You may even want to attend family therapy to show your support for this strategy.

Collaborating with teachers and school staff can help your teen succeed and feel safe outside of the home. Meet with your teenager’s teachers and make them aware of any special needs your child may have. This can help other adults in your teen’s life learn how to better support them.

Understanding what educational accommodations for anxiety exist can help you ensure your teen is academically successful. The Positive Youth Development Model guides all interactions and interventions our staff has with teens are Shortridge Academy. Our approach helps youths confidence build confidence and self-esteem, which ultimately helps manage anxiety.

It’s easy to work with your teen’s instructors and therapists at Shortridge Academy. Our program integrates family to ensure that parents are involved in their child’s recovery.