Let’s face it, it’s never easy to see your former easy-going kid turn from an angel into T-Rex Maximus in three seconds! Is this normal, or could there be more to it?

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all illnesses and affect 25% of all teens. There is substantial evidence that the pandemic has dramatically increased anxiety in teens. It’s no wonder, given that Covid lockdowns and social distancing robbed them of many of the activities they care about most, disrupted their education, and isolated them from their friends. It’s been tough.

However, anxiety in teens were already on the rise before the pandemic. Why? Experts cite the intense pressure to succeed in school as one of the main culprits. Things like public speaking, final exams and even going out on a date, could cause stress. Believe it or not, a lot of anxiety is geared towards perfectionism and not looking “stupid”.

Also don’t underestimate the continuous “compare and despair” effect that social media has on the mental well-being of our young people. And, of course, our teens are constantly subjected to negative news around the world; it’s hard to feel safe.

The symptoms of anxiety vary widely, from withdrawal and avoidance to irritability and full blown tantrums. You might also get chronic complaints about stomach aches and headaches, and notice sleeping problems and substance abuse. Your teen might have trouble concentrating and you could possibly see a drop in their grades.

So mom and dad, the good news is that you can help, but you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve: Acknowledge and validate their feelings, and remind them that they are capable, intelligent and worthy. Keep it real by showing them your imperfections and how you deal with life’s difficulties.

Be there, always. Stay connected, even when they’re being clear at how annoying you are. DON”T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! Be sure to let go of the small stuff. Commit to a respectful tone. Trust me, you’ll both survive a messy room!

Never judge, but always listen. Resist the temptation to teach, lecture, criticise or seven solve problems. What they need is your interest and acceptance. Take it as a massive compliment when they come to you for help; praise them for being brave enough to share their feelings, and try to spend more time together.  

Encourage a healthy lifestyle as a means to reduce the negative effects of stress. Remind them that exercise burns off the “stress hormone” cortisol and can help the body to relax. Suggest a walk, reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to some music as a way to relax before bed. Make sure that they get enough sleep and eat healthy.

If your teen appears to be struggling with anxiety that interferes with school, friendships, family relationships, or other areas of daily functioning, it may be a good idea to get an evaluation from a licenced mental health practitioner.

Source: raisingchildren.net, childmind.org, psycom.net, newportacademy.com, discoverymood.com, psychologytoday.com, radicalparenting.com, circleofmoms.com, popsugar.com, webmd.boots.com, relate.org.uk, ahah-now.com, blogher.com, family-stress-relief-guide.com, wikihow.com, psychlinks.ca, npr.org, theguardian.com, quickanddirtytips.com, risk-within-reason.com, imom.com, expertbeacon.com, kidshealth.org, , today.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.