Anxiety is a normal and beneficial emotion in teens. It can signal that danger or something threatening is near; however, anxiety can also become a disorder. If left untreated, it can have a devastating effect on a teenager. Sadly, many teenagers and their parents do not recognize the signs of anxiety. As a result, it can lead to emotional or health problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly 33 percent of all adolescents suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Furthermore, signs of anxiety in teens can interrupt nearly all areas of life: family, friends, school, daily routine, and overall mental state. If your teen is suffering from anxiety, you may want to consider getting professional help at an anxiety treatment center in California.Â
What Are the Signs of Anxiety?
The signs of anxiety in teens are not always easy to identify. In fact, when a teenager displays some form of anxiety, parents may dismiss their child as ‘just acting like a teenager.’ As anxiety disorder gets progressively worse; however, it becomes evident that there a problem. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Ongoing fear or paranoia that something bad is going to happen
- Triggers that cause a panic attack or hysteria
- Frequent stomach aches or other physical problems
- Showing clinginess to a person or an object
- Disruption in sleeping or eating patterns
- Social avoidance and fear of being around others
The overarching component in anxiety disorder is constantly worrying about things, people, places, or events for no apparent reason.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder. As such, it is often categorized as a psychological or biological condition. However, there are several external contributing factors to anxiety that cause the condition to develop and can manifest signs of anxiety. Some of the causes of anxiety disorder may include:Â
- Childhood trauma that causes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Worries about school and academic performance
- Family problems at home (divorce, abuse, neglect, addiction, etc.)
- Other mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder, ADHD, or depression
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Hormones or a chemical imbalance
When Is Treatment for Anxiety Needed?
It is important to distinguish between the occasional episodes of anxiety and recurring signs of anxiety. If it appears that your teenager’s symptoms are getting worse, then you should see a doctor and possibly seek counseling. An anxiety treatment program in California provides therapy, education, and resource for teens who struggle with constant worry. If the condition is interfering with school, family, or personal life, then treatment may be necessary. Some teens who exhibit signs of anxiety have uncontrollable panic attacks. Others turn to drugs or alcohol. Still, some adolescence becomes depressed. In worst-case scenarios, your child may be suicidal. If so, you need to seek help immediately.
Seek Help for Your Teen at Destinations for Teens
Is your teenager suffering from an anxiety disorder? Then contact Destination for Teens. We offer comprehensive care for addiction and mental disorders. Call us at 877.466.0620 to schedule a consultation with a treatment specialist. We can help you identify and manage the signs of anxiety.