Written by Miranda Helus
Teenagers and young adults worry daily, whether it is struggling over a school-related problem, going into their first job interview, or submitting their first college or graduate school application. Typically, such feelings of fear would be temporary and occasional, but for individuals diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, these feelings are much more frequent, cannot be easily alleviated, and can be debilitating in daily life. Two types of common anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include excessive or long-lasting worry and restlessness, irritability, and difficulties in concentration or sleeping [1]. Signs of social anxiety disorder include fear of rejection or judgment, acting extremely self-conscious in front of other people, avoiding social events, and even feeling nauseous when talking with others [1].
Since 2012, cases of anxiety have been more prevalent among high school students [2]. According to a 2015 report from the National Institute of Mental Health, 30% of girls and 20% of boys have an anxiety disorder (translating to roughly about 6.3 million teens) [2]. Researchers have reasoned that the social and economic environment of the modern era is the major contributor to this phenomenon. Younger individuals already have to deal with everyday pressures, such as school and socialization. Because they are a part of the post-9/11 generation, however, the impact of major global issues, the massive influence of social media, and parental micromanaging further exacerbate their daily stress [2]. While many older adults assume that this generation of children is emotionally fragile due to being spoiled, teenagers and young adults actually struggle to find balance in their lives and escape from the issues of today’s society [2].
Unfortunately, in 2015, it was reported that only 20% of teenagers diagnosed with an anxiety disorder sought treatment at all [2]. Such a statistic is quite worrisome, since many do not actively seek treatment and prefer to keep their condition a secret. However, individuals with anxiety use social media, a healthy way to interact with friends to receive support or vent about their struggles [2]. They also channel their energy into creative activities or utilize meditation techniques and positive self-encouragement as coping mechanisms [2]. Therapists can advise parents on how to help their children. Rather than simply telling them to “suck it up and move on,” parents should discuss life struggles with their children and not react angrily toward their behavior or feelings. Therapists also emphasize a balanced relationship, which involves parents paying attention to their children and also giving them personal space [3]. In this way, parents can stay aware and understand how to make their children comfortable; they can also build trust between them and provide the right kind of support. Of course, the most important advice is to find help as soon as possible [3]. Receiving professional help will ultimately placate young individuals with anxiety by receiving assistance and learning healthy ways to relieve their symptoms.
References:
1. Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. 2016.
2. Schrobsdorff, S. 2016. Teen Depression and Anxiety: Why the Kids Are Not Alright. TIME. 188(19).
3.2016. Teen Depression and Anxiety: What Parents Can Do. TIME.