How Anxiety Affects Teenagers

At Greywood Health Center, we know that anxiety can affect young people in a variety of ways. When anxiety symptoms reach a point to where they are more than just nerves, it may be time to look into Chicago’s best intensive outpatient program or partial hospitalization program for extra assistance. Some common effects of anxiety in teenagers include:

1. Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and muscle tension. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to focus on schoolwork or social activities.
2. Social isolation: Teenagers with anxiety may avoid social situations or activities that trigger their anxiety. This can lead to social isolation and a decreased quality of life.
3. Academic difficulties: Anxiety can interfere with academic performance and make it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork or perform well on tests.
4. Sleep disturbances: Anxiety can also interfere with sleep, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested upon waking. This can contribute to daytime fatigue and irritability.
5. Substance abuse: Teenagers with anxiety may turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their symptoms. This can lead to a range of negative consequences, including addiction, impaired judgment, and legal problems.
6. Depression: Anxiety and depression often co-occur, and teenagers and young adults with anxiety may be at increased risk for developing depression. Symptoms of depression can include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.

10 Common Factors Of Anxiety In Teens And Young Adults

There are many different factors that can contribute to anxiety in teenagers. We have narrowed it down to 10 common factors that can contribute to adolescent and young adult anxiety.

Genetics

There may be a genetic component to anxiety, meaning that teens with a family history of anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop anxiety themselves.

Brain chemistry

Imbalances in brain chemistry can also contribute to anxiety in adolescents, particularly in the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

Trauma

Traumatic events such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence can increase the risk of anxiety in young adults.

Stressful life events

Major life changes such as moving, changing schools, or a family member’s illness or death can cause anxiety in teens.

Academic pressure

Academic pressure to perform well in school or to get into a good college can also cause anxiety in young adults.

Social media

Social media and the pressure to maintain a certain image or gain likes and followers can contribute to anxiety in teens.

Peer pressure

Peer pressure to fit in or engage in risky behaviors can also cause anxiety in adolescents.

Substance use

Young adults who use drugs or alcohol may be at increased risk for anxiety.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or heart problems, can contribute to teen anxiety.

Lack of support

Lack of emotional support from family or friends may also contribute to adolescent anxiety.

It is important to note that these factors are not necessarily the sole causes of anxiety in teenagers and that each individual’s experience may differ. This will be explored more in-depth during the Chicago intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs that will dive into the root of what is causing the anxiety.

Mind and Body Practices In the Treatment of Adolescent Anxiety

At Greywood Health Center, we fully believe in our mind-body approach. While accompanying traditional psychotherapy practices, this approach is exceedingly helpful in recovery. Here are a few examples of the practices we offer:

• Mindfulness meditation: This practice involves focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness meditation assists adolescents to learn to manage anxiety by increasing awareness of their thoughts and emotions and teaching them to observe them without reacting.
• Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing exercises helps teens to slow down and regulate their breathing, which can help to reduce feelings of anxiety. Encourage teens to practice breathing exercises when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
• Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures with breath control and relaxation techniques. Studies have shown that yoga is beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety in young adults.
• Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups in the body to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
• Visualization: Visualization involves imagining oneself in a peaceful, calm setting, such as a beach or forest, and focusing on the sensations associated with that setting. Visualization reduces anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing negative thoughts.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity minimizes anxiety symptoms in teenagers. Encourage teens to find a physical activity that they enjoy, such as running, dancing, or team sports.

These practices are great coping skills that clients can take home after participating in our intensive outpatient Chicago and partial hospitalization programs.

Better Ways To Combat Anxiety In Youth

While anxiety can be debilitating, there are many ways to combat it. If you feel that your adolescent or young adult is not quite ready for an intensive hospitalization program, here are some ways to combat anxiety in youth:

1. Encourage exercise: Exercise has been shown to be an effective way to reduce anxiety. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities such as walking, running, swimming, or playing sports. Doing this together or as a family is also a great way to be involved together and practice communication.
2. Practice relaxation techniques: Teach your child relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization. These techniques can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
3. Encourage healthy eating habits: A healthy diet helps reduce anxiety symptoms. Encourage your child to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
4. Help your child get enough sleep: Sleep is crucial for mental and physical health. Make sure your child gets enough sleep by establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a sleep-conducive environment. When a proper sleep pattern is unattainable due to anxiety, it may be time to consider an intensive outpatient program in Chicago.
5. Encourage social support: Social support is essential for mental health. Encourage your child to build and maintain relationships with family and friends who provide positive support.
6. Teach problem-solving skills: Anxiety can be exacerbated by a sense of helplessness. Teach your child problem-solving skills that help them feel more in control of situations that trigger anxiety.
7. Seek professional help: If your child’s anxiety persists or is interfering with their daily life, consider seeking professional help. A mental health professional can provide therapy, medication, or a combination of both to help manage anxiety.

Overall, helping your child build healthy habits and coping mechanisms can go a long way in combating anxiety. By providing the necessary support and resources, you can help your child overcome anxiety and live a happier, healthier life.

What Does Anxiety Look Like In Adolescents And Young Adults?

Anxiety can look different for every teenager, but here are some common signs that may indicate anxiety:

Excessive worry

A teenager with anxiety may worry excessively about a variety of things, such as school performance, social relationships, and future plans.

Avoidance behaviors

An individual with anxiety may avoid situations that trigger their anxiety, such as social events, school activities, or even leaving the house.

Physical symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.

Irritability

Anxiety can cause irritability and moodiness in teenagers. They may become easily frustrated or angry, especially if they feel overwhelmed.

Sleep disturbances

Anxiety can interfere with sleep, causing teenagers and young adults to have trouble falling or staying asleep or experiencing nightmares.

Perfectionism

Individuals with anxiety may place high expectations on themselves and feel they need to be perfect to succeed.

Poor concentration

Anxiety can make it difficult for adolescents and young adults to concentrate and focus, especially on tasks that trigger their anxiety.

If you notice any of these signs in your teenager, it may be a sign of anxiety. It’s important to talk to your teenager and see where they fall on the scale of any of these symptoms. Discussing with your child or loved one about their needs and discussing the possibility of an intensive outpatient Chicago or partial hospitalization program here at Greywood Health Center is crucial.

What Is The Goal Of A Partial Hospitalization Program For Teen Anxiety

The goal of our partial hospitalization program (PHP) for teenage anxiety is to provide intensive treatment and support for teenagers and young adults who are struggling with anxiety. At Greywood Health Center, the partial hospitalization program involves structured, intensive therapy and support services delivered in a non-residential setting, allowing teenagers to return home daily. The specific goals of the PHP for anxiety include:

1. Reducing anxiety symptoms: The primary goal of the PHP for anxiety at Greywood Health Center is to help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall mental health.
2. Developing coping skills: The partial hospitalization program aims to help develop effective coping skills that are used to manage anxiety both during and after treatment.
3. Enhancing social support: The PHP structure provides opportunities for teenagers to connect with peers experiencing similar challenges and build relationships with supportive adults who can provide guidance and encouragement.
4. Improving functioning: Our PHP helps teenagers improve their functioning in daily life, including school performance, social relationships, and self-care.

The goal of our PHP for teenage anxiety is to provide intensive treatment and support that can help teenagers overcome their anxiety and lead happier, healthier lives.

Do You Treat Co-Occurring Disorders

Teenage anxiety often co-occurs with a range of other mental health disorders. During the initial health assessment, we will evaluate any and all occurring disorders that are present. Here are some common co-occurring disorders:

• Depression: Anxiety and depression often occur together. Teenagers with anxiety may feel sad and hopeless and lack interest in activities they once enjoyed.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is an anxiety disorder that involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Adolescents with OCD may feel compelled to perform certain rituals or routines to reduce their anxiety.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Young adults who have experienced trauma may develop PTSD, which can involve symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a common co-occurring disorder with anxiety. Teens with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
• Substance use disorders: Young adults with anxiety may be at increased risk for substance use disorders to self-medicate their anxiety symptoms.

Every teenager is unique and may experience different co-occurring mental health disorders alongside anxiety. If you feel that your child or young adult’s symptoms have reached a point of concern or other programs have not been successful in alleviating symptoms, call Greywood Health Center today for more information on our partial hospitalization program for anxiety.