Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States and 7.1% of children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with an anxiety-related disorder. Anxiety-related conditions are also becoming more common among children ages 6-17, increasing in prevalence by 0.9% between 2007 and 2011. Although anxiety disorders are common, less than 60% of children diagnosed with anxiety-related conditions receive treatment. This is why it’s so important to know how to help a teen with anxiety. While anxiety conditions are not curable, early treatment can limit the severity of symptoms. It is important to understand the symptoms of anxiety disorders because nearly one-third of adolescents will develop an anxiety-related disorder by age 18. If you are wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, the most important way to support them is to encourage early mental health treatment for teens in Los Angeles, CA.
What is Anxiety?
When you are wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, it’s important to know that anxiety disorder symptoms are more intense and longer-lasting than typical teenage mood swings. While all teenagers experience some feelings of anxiety, anxiety disorders interfere with daily life. Social phobias can cause significant isolation from others, while specific phobias can cause you or your teen to develop irrational, but intense fears. Panic disorders can cause acute, unexpected panic attacks that can require medical attention. Anxiety-related conditions can include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social Phobias
- Specific Phobias
- Panic Disorder
- Separation Anxiety
- PTSD
Anxiety disorders can also make it difficult for you or your teen to express emotions, as many people with anxiety have symptoms when they interact or socialize with others.
How to Help a Teen with Anxiety
If you are wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, the best first step is to be supportive. When you struggle with anxiety, it can become difficult to share your feelings or experiences with others or to reach out for help. Helping you or your teen schedule counseling or medical appointments is an excellent way to show your support and understanding. Another answer to the question of how to help a teen with anxiety is to not judge your teen when they share with you their struggles with anxiety. Anxiety disorders can cause low self-esteem or lead to your teen feeling very self-conscious. It is important to validate your teen’s concerns and show that you believe their symptoms are real and are willing to help. Mental health treatment for teens in LA focuses on providing both evidence-based and holistic treatments, which can include:
- Medications
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual, family and group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills education
Finding Help Today
Are you wondering how to help a teen with anxiety? The best short answer is to assist your teen in finding treatment. While anxiety disorders can become disabling, early treatment can help limit symptoms. Anxiety disorders are common, but sometimes teens face intense social stigmas when it comes to mental health issues. If you or your teen is struggling with anxiety, contact us today at . We’re happy to explain your treatment options, our nationally-recognized teen anxiety treatment programs, and how to help a teen with anxiety.