Anxiety in teenagers can present itself in many different ways. Some common physical symptoms of anxiety include: feeling tense or jittery, having a racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, and feeling like you might throw up. You may also experience mental symptoms such as: a constant sense of dread, feeling like your mind is going blank, struggling to concentrate on anything, and feeling irritable. Everyone experiences anxiety differently, so it’s important to pay attention to your own body and mind to figure out what your anxiety looks like.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it might be worth talking to a doctor or therapist about whether you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are treatable and there are lots of resources available to help you manage your symptoms. Don’t suffer in silence – reach out for help if you need it!
Irritability
If you’re noticing that your teenager is suddenly more irritable than usual, it could be a sign of anxiety. Try to talk to them about what’s going on and see if they’re willing to open up about what’s causing their stress. If they’re not ready to talk, that’s OK too. Just let them know that you’re there for them when they are ready.
Trouble concentrating
Anxiety can make it difficult to focus and pay attention. This can lead to problems with schoolwork, work performance, and social interactions. Feeling irritable or on edge: Anxiety can cause people to feel restless, agitated, or even angry.
Anxiety can cause people to feel restless, agitated, or even angry. Avoiding things that trigger anxiety: Some people may start avoiding places or situations that they associate with anxiety symptoms. For example, a person who has panic attacks may avoid driving or flying.
Some people may start avoiding places or situations that they associate with anxiety symptoms. For example, a person who has panic attacks may avoid driving or flying. Trouble sleeping: Anxiety can cause insomnia and make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. This can leave you feeling exhausted during the day.
Anxiety can cause insomnia and make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night., this leaves many individuals feeling exhausted during the day which then leads them into a self-perpetuating cycle of poor concentration and irritability.
Extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism
It’s normal for teenagers to be self-conscious or sensitive to criticism. However, anxiety can make these feelings much more intense. People with anxiety may avoid situations where they might be judged or criticized, such as public speaking or performance events. They may also constantly worry about what others think of them and go to great lengths to try to please others. This can lead to a lot of stress and conflict in their lives.
People with extreme self-consciousness or sensitivity to criticism may have a hard time making friends and keeping them. They may feel like they are always being judged and found wanting. This can lead to social isolation and loneliness. It can also make it hard for them to succeed in school or at work.
If you know someone who is struggling with this issue, there are things you can do to help. Encourage them to seek professional help if they are having difficulty managing their anxiety on their own. Help them identify healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, journaling, or relaxation techniques. Offer your support and understanding as they work through this difficult issue.
Withdrawal from social activity
Your teen may also start avoiding things that make them anxious. For example, if your teen is afraid of dogs, they may start avoiding places where they think there might be dogs present. This can make it difficult for them to participate in activities that they used to enjoy or do well in.
If you notice any of these signs in your teenager, it’s important to talk to them about what’s going on. They may be embarrassed or reluctant to talk about their anxiety but it’s important for them to know that you are there for them and want to help. Talking about their anxiety will also help them develop strategies for dealing with it.
Avoidance of difficult or new situations
It is not uncommon for teenagers to experience anxiety. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 25 percent of adolescents will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point during their teenage years. Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, but one of the most common signs is avoidance behavior.
Teenagers with anxiety may go out of their way to avoid anything that makes them feel even slightly uncomfortable or anxious. This could mean avoiding social situations, skipping school or class, or refusing to leave the house. In some cases, avoidance behavior can be so severe that it starts to interfere with everyday life.
If your teenager is displaying signs of avoidance behavior, it’s important to talk to them about what they’re going through. Avoidance may seem like an easier way to deal with anxiety in the short-term, but it can actually make things worse in the long run. Help your teenager understand that avoiding difficult situations will only make them more anxious and stressed in the future. Instead, encourage them to face their fears head-on and find healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety.