Today’s teens seem to be more anxious, depressed and emotional than in previous generations. However, they also have more access to technology, interruptions to their daily lives through notifications or blinking lights and more exposure to others. If you have noticed an increase in anxiety in your children, you may have researched a natural anxiety medication for teenager, but there are some things you should know about this epidemic as well.
Signs of Teen Anxiety
Watch for uncertainty about regular activities and daily routines. Your teens may also consistently review completed tasks. Your teens may begin to panic if they cannot figure out how to do something or if they are in unexpected or unfamiliar situations. Exams are a common cause of panic, but participation in common activities can also trigger this emotion.
Causes of Teen Anxiety
If your child shows signs of anxiety, you should understand what could be causing it. During their teen years, your children are going through a lot of biological changes. Their hormone development is increasing, their bodies are changing and their brains are developing, and these don’t occur at the same rate. Because their brains don’t fully develop until their mid-20s, they can become overwhelmed by responsibilities their brains cannot understand yet, while their hormones can make them emotional. Social media can play a major part in this.
Lack of sleep can also increase anxiety because it increases worry, which then prevents more sleep. Also, fatty, sugary foods can impact their moods and emotional states, increasing their worry. Your relationship with your teens also has a direct impact on their security, self-esteem and ability to function. They want you to be and show that you are proud of them.
Mental health issues, such as depression, can also increase your teen’s anxiety, causing isolation and sadness. Also, look for signs of other challenges, such as signs of ADHD in teens. If you suspect a mental health issue, consider getting professional help immediately. Drug and alcohol use have incredible impacts on your teens’ lives and can cause panic or other emotional responses.
However, a new major cause of anxiety is access to technology, including social media, gaming and devices. Not only does technology allow them to connect with others easily, but it encourages comparisons between them and their peers. It also creates a barrier where teens can say and do things to others without facing them directly, eliminating accountability, but these things can be very harmful to other teens.
How To Protect Your Teen
The best way to protect your teen is to pursue open communication. Talk about where they are going, what they will do there, when they will be home and who they are meeting or going with. Who they are following, talking to or meeting online. Set clear boundaries and ensure that they understand them.
Second, be involved in your children’s lives. Have them sit for family dinners, encourage them to participate in activities, and show up for them. Carefully monitor their device usage and online life. Look for addictions, bullying and accessing inappropriate content.
To identify and help your child through their anxiety, stay engaged. Be aware of their struggles, especially mental health challenges, and get treatment, such as an ADHD and anxiety medication combination, and watch their social media activities.
