Identifying Teen Anxiety

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you and your teenager are not alone. Nearly 32 percent of teens will experience an anxiety disorder before they reach 18. Anxiety in children and teens share some symptoms with adult anxiety, but there may be other symptoms as well. Talk to your teen or consider reaching out for assistance if you see one or more of these common symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Frequent sadness, withdrawal, irritability or anger
• Loss of self-esteem and/or energy
• Suicidal thoughts

Anxiety can affect your teen in unique ways. Teenage boys, in particular, often struggle to communicate their feelings with friends or family, making it particularly difficult to identify.

Talk to your teen today about anxiety. Helping teenagers understand possible signs can give them the tools they need to reach out for help if they experience any of these feelings. This can help you see the signs and help them find treatment options.

Causes of Anxiety

There is a range of potential causes of anxiety, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause in every case. Whether it’s caused by brain chemistry, a tragic life event, or a combination of these two and other factors, anxiety can occur with little or no warning. Anxiety disorders are classified into several different issues, including:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Generalized anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

However, anxiety affects everyone in unique ways. Whether your teen has been given a diagnosis or not, it’s crucial that they are still treated as a unique individual. It is not unusual for a kid to self-medicate because of their anxiety with drugs or alcohol. Therefore, our staff is trained to understand the different diagnoses but also ensures that your teen has the opportunity to speak about their personal experience and receive personalized care and support.

Find Hope in Lakeside Academy Today

At Lakeside Academy, we have several programs available for teenage boys struggling with various issues. We will work with your teen to help identify potential causes of anxiety and offer professional solutions through comprehensive care and professional therapy. While no treatment option is guaranteed, our services have helped teens to grow and overcome their anxiety through behavioral therapy. Contact us today to learn more about our program and to discuss enrolling your teen at Lakeside Academy.

Call (844) 768-8336  today for more information or to schedule a tour.