Generalized Anxiety, Worrying, & Fears in Teens

Your teen or preteen might be experiencing worries or fears that keep them awake at night, make them want to skip school, or cause significant distress in general. They might experience crying spells, tantrums, or panic attacks. Many teens try hard to conceal their emotions by isolating themselves, shutting down, or even developing unhealthy and unsafe behaviors to cope. Diagnoses can include Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks, and can coincide with Depression. Common stressors in teens include:

Academic Pressure

High expectations from parents, teachers, and peers, along with the pressure to excel academically, can lead to stress related to grades, exams, and college admissions.

Social Pressure

Concerns about fitting in, peer relationships, social status, and social media can contribute to stress and anxiety among teens.

Family Conflict

Issues such as parental divorce, conflicts with siblings or parents, financial strain, and parental expectations and behavior can create stress at home.

Body Image

Pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and concerns about physical appearance can lead to stress, particularly among teens.

Romantic Relationships

The complexities of romantic relationships, including breakups, conflicts, and peer pressure, can be significant stressors for teens.

Extracurricular Activities

Balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, volunteering, and jobs can lead to time pressures and stress.

Future Uncertainty

Worries about the future, including college and career choices, financial independence, and adulthood responsibilities, can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Social Media

Negative influences from social media can lead to aforementioned stressors and fears, causing sleep disturbances and difficulty in managing time effectively, among other symptoms.

Bullying and Peer Pressure

Bullying, cyberbullying, and peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors can cause significant stress and emotional distress among teens.

 

Fears & Phobias

Fears and Phobias can take many forms and are generally more specific and intensely experienced than worries. However, they can be coincide with other worries.

It's important for parents, teachers, and caregivers to be aware of these stressors and provide support, guidance, and resources, free of judgment, to help teens cope effectively with the challenges they face.