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.
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 completely 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 Today
The first and most important thing for parents to remember is that anxiety is a serious issue. If you really want to know how to help your teen with anxiety, you have to seek professional help. If you leave anxiety unchecked, it can manifest into even more serious problems, such as chronic depression.
Anxiety in teens 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.
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 start 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.
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.
Get the Help That Your Teen Needs in Canada
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 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 for more information about our programs.
