High anxiety is a common problem among people of all ages, and teens are no exception. In fact, many teens juggle responsibilities at a young age that add to their anxiety. For instance, they manage grades, jobs, and after-school activities. Because of that, you might wonder how to help your teen with anxiety issues. Teen mental health treatment is a great way to promote overall wellness in your child. Call Venture Academy today at 866.762.2211 to learn more about getting help for teens with anxiety in Canada.
How Common Is Anxiety Among Teens?
The first thing that you have to understand is that anxiety is very common among teens. In fact, experts say that one out of five teens suffers from some form of anxiety almost daily. Keep in mind that having some anxiety is entirely normal. When it starts to interfere with daily life, though, it’s a problem.
Also, anxiety is a feeling rather than a personality type. Most of the time, it takes an event to trigger anxiety, such as a job interview or an exam. In some cases, it can arise for no apparent reason, which is the scariest kind. The reason is that underlying issues are usually the cause.
How to Help Your Teen With Anxiety
The first and most important thing for parents to remember is that anxiety is a serious issue that can sometimes require professional help. If you leave anxiety unchecked, it can manifest into even more serious problems, such as chronic depression.
Anxiety in teens sometimes requires professional help. However, there are some things that you can do to help your teen at home. The more support that you can provide, the better that your teen can overcome anxiety issues. Some ways to help include practising mindfulness, exercising, and even just making some time for each other.
1. Help Your Teen Practise Mindfulness
Consider teaching your teen about mindfulness. In psychology, mindfulness refers to an exercise that strengthens the relationship between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.
This connection is important because the amygdala plays a key role in anxiety. A strong connection between these two areas allows the prefrontal cortex to weigh in during bouts of anxiety. As a result, mindfulness helps teens stay calm during anxiety attacks.
Practising mindfulness is all about staying in the present. Many experts believe that anxiety starts when teens are “in” the future. It begins with “what if” questions. Since teens have no control over the unknown, they begin to feel anxious.
Mindfulness as a mental health treatment can prevent the mind from wandering. It improves teens’ focus on the events that they can control. Also, it increases focus for those who struggle with other mental disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
2. Encourage Exercise
Another tip for how to help your teen with anxiety is to promote exercise. Studies show that daily exercise can help people battle high levels of anxiety. Experts believe that it works because exercise stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain.
Exercise is an activity that you can do with your teen as well. As a result, the two of you can build a strong relationship. In addition, this connection can stop anxiety in its tracks.
3. Be Involved in Their Life
Spend time with your teen, learn about their interests, and communicate with them openly and honestly about what they may be going through. Knowing they have someone to trust and rely on can be very helpful. They will be more inclined to open up to you about their mental health and other things that arise as they navigate young adulthood.
While these tips can be helpful, it is important to discuss the option of professional treatment if your teen’s anxiety is severely impacting their life.
How Anxiety Treatment Can Help
Professional anxiety treatment can be a powerful tool in helping your teen learn to manage their anxiety and reduce its impact on their life. A professional therapist or mental health practitioner can work with them to identify the root cause of their anxiety, provide specific strategies and tools for dealing with it, and help them develop healthier coping mechanisms. They can also provide guidance on how to manage difficult emotions and work through negative thoughts.
With the proper support, your teen can learn to identify triggers for their anxiety, practise relaxation techniques to reduce stress, and develop positive thinking patterns. By developing these skills, they can better cope with stressors and improve their overall well-being. Additionally, a professional therapist can provide an ongoing safe space for your teen to discuss their feelings and challenges without judgment. Professional anxiety treatment can help your teen become more self-aware, resilient, and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life.
Get the Help That Your Teen Needs at Venture Academy
Are you looking for teen anxiety treatment in British Columbia? If so, consider visiting Venture Academy. We provide residential behavioural treatment programs for teens. Along with teen anxiety treatment in BC, a few of the programs that we offer include:
- 30-day assessments
- Electronic addiction
- Drug and alcohol treatment
- School programs and education
Don’t let anxiety keep your teen from living a happy and healthy life. Learn more about how to help your teen with anxiety. Reach out to our friendly staff today at 866.762.2211 or via our online contact form for more information about our programs.
