Adolescent Anxiety

Atul was a bright boy of 15, with big dreams of becoming a scientist.

He had always been diligent in his studies, a favourite among his teachers and a good boy among his family members. His parents were happy with his academic performance and overall behaviour.

Lately, Atul had started feeling agitated and restless. He had started worrying about his studies, so much so that he had decreased his relaxation and leisure time and increased his study time.

His friends noticed that he had become sensitive to mere jokes. His parents have noticed a change in him too; he had become irritable.

Regarding academics, even though he spent extra hours studying, his academic performance was gradually degrading.

Atul’s sleep and appetite had also decreased. He felt those were a waste of time and he needed to dedicate more time for his studies.

What exactly was happening here?

His friends thought he was over thinking, and overreacting. Was that it?

His parents and teachers thought it was just a phase, something to do with his age and it would pass by. Was that really what was happening?

What Atul and many other teenagers like him go through and suffer from may be a case of what is now known as Adolescent Anxiety.

Is that even a thing?

Yes, it is.

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can affect anyone. A bit of anxiety from time to time is normal. It can help with motivation at school, sport or work. But if anxious feelings don’t go away, they can interfere with concentrating at school, socialising with friends and enjoying life.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents aged 13 to 18, will experience an Anxiety Disorder. These numbers have only been rising steadily.

Do all teenagers with Anxiety have the same symptoms like Atul?

Not necessarily.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety in Adolescents often include:

★ feeling constantly agitated, tense, or restless

★ being sensitive to criticism or extremely self-conscious

★ always worrying about things that aren’t likely to happen

★ avoiding difficult or new situations that make them anxious

★ being withdrawn

★ having trouble concentrating and starting or finishing schoolwork

★ changed eating and sleeping habits

Additionally, physical symptoms may include:

★ a racing heart

★ feeling dizzy

★ sweating

★ shaking

★ shortness of breath

★ feeling ‘butterflies’ in their stomach (yes, it is a sign of nervousness and not of falling in love!)

★ headaches & body aches (especially in their neck, shoulders and back)

What can cause this ugly feeling called Anxiety in Adolescents?

Causes for Anxiety in Adolescents can include a wide range of factors which are not limited to:

➢ High expectations of family & teachers

➢ Pressure to succeed

➢ A world that feels scary and threatening

➢ Social media

➢ Peer pressure, Peer conflicts & Peer comparison

➢ Body image & Self-esteem

➢ Social relationships

➢ Bullying & Cyber bullying

➢ Time management

The consequences of Anxiety in Adolescents?

Not all individuals handle or cope with Anxiety in similar ways. The consequences vary widely and may include:

➔ a decline in performance in school, sports, and social interactions

➔ failing to achieve to their potential

➔ insecurity, leading to doubt regarding self-identity, self-image and self-confidence

➔ developing suicidal feelings or engaging in self-destructive behaviors

➔ developing a dependency on alcohol and drugs, to self-medicate or self-soothe, in an effort to reduce or prevent anxiety

What can be done?

Get help!

While you may find a lot of information on Adolescent Anxiety and how to handle it, it is of utmost importance that the teenager get professional help.

Why is that?

Going to a professional who will cater to the individual needs of the teenager, works best rather than trying things or tips on your own that may or may not help the teenager.

While experimenting may sound fun, Anxiety in teenagers can lead to situations we would suggest you to not gamble with.

Managing Anxiety usually requires a combination of treatment interventions. The most effective plan must be individualised to the teenager and their family.

Treatment for Anxiety begins with an evaluation of symptoms, family and social context and the extent of interference or impairment to the teen. Parents, as well as the teenager, are included in this process.

The evaluating professional also considers any underlying physical illnesses or diseases, such as diabetes, that could be causing the anxiety symptoms. Medications that might cause anxiety (such as some drugs used for Asthma) are also reviewed. Since large amounts of caffeine, in coffee or soft drinks, can cause agitation, a professional might look at the teenager's daily habits and diet as well.

Other biological, psychological, family and social factors that might predispose the teenager to undue anxiety are also to be considered.

If the teenager has engaged in suicidal or self-endangering behavior, is trying to self medicate through alcohol or drug use, or exhibit severely depressive symptoms, these problems should be addressed immediately.

In most cases, management of Anxiety focuses on reducing the symptoms of Anxiety, relieving distress, preventing complications associated with it, and minimising the effects on the teen's social, school, and developmental progress. Not all cases of Adolescent Anxiety need medical intervention.

Lastly, while all these might seem scary, most of the time Adolescent Anxiety is manageable.

All you need to do is reach out.

Because reaching out does not show your weakness, it shows your strength and willingness to take the step and change.

And together, we can make the change happen.

Let's stay healthy, not only physically but emotionally and mentally as well!

~Mrinmoyee Saha

Counselling Psychologist