Anxiety in teenagers is a common experience, and can have a profound impact on their daily lives. For some youth, anxiety may manifest as feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear, while for others, it may result in physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. Regardless of the form it takes, anxiety can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for youth.

The causes of anxiety in teenagers can be complex and can include a range of psychological, emotional, and environmental factors. For some youth, anxiety may be a result of genetics or brain chemistry, while for others, it may be the result of traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying. Additionally, stress and pressure from school, relationships, and other aspects of daily life can also contribute to symptoms of anxiety in youth.

Regardless of the causes of anxiety, if you are a parent of an adolescent child who is struggling with anxiety,  here are some tips to help your child cope with their anxious feelings:

1. Encourage open communication: Encouraging open communication is an important first step in helping your adolescent child cope with anxiety. By creating a safe and supportive environment for your child to talk about their feelings and experiences, you can help remove the shame and stigma they may associate with the anxiety.  Simply speaking about anxiety in the context of safe connection can help to normalize and reduce its effects.
2. Practice relaxation techniques together: Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can be helpful in reducing anxiety. By practicing these techniques together, you can provide your child with a sense of comfort and support, while helping them develop tools to connect with the present moment and reduce worry about the future.
3. Promote a healthy lifestyle: Encouraging your adolescent child to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, will also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve overall well-being.  Speak to your naturopathic doctor to see if vitamin supplementation can help.
4. Have fun: Laughter has always been the best medicine.  Support your child to engage in activities that are enjoyable.  If it feels right, play a game. Shoot some hoops.  Get out of your heads together and play!
5. Lean on your faith:  If you have a religious or spiritual faith, talk about your values or pray together as a family.  A belief in God or a Higher Power can bring tremendous comfort to an anxious heart.
6. Seek professional help: If your adolescent child’s anxiety is interfering with their daily life, it may be helpful to seek the support of a counsellor. An anxiety counsellor can provide a thorough assessment, develop a personalized treatment plan, and teach coping strategies to help manage symptoms of anxiety.
7. Lead by example: Finally, leading by example can also be an effective way to help your adolescent child cope with anxiety. By demonstrating healthy coping strategies, such as regular exercise and mindfulness, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can provide your child with a positive role model and help them manage their anxiety as a result.

Helping your adolescent child cope with anxiety can be a challenging experience, but your love and support in the ways listed here can go a long way to reducing their anxieties and helping them get back on track.  However, point number six cannot be overstated.  If you are concerned about your adolescent child’s anxiety, it’s a good idea to seek the support of a professional counsellor to ensure that they receive the proper support to manage their anxiety and avoid developing a more chronic mental health condition. 

All of NeurAlive’s counsellors specialize in treating youth anxiety.  Using a combination of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Art Therapy, our Counsellors will customize a counselling approach that meets the unique needs of each child.  Contact us today to be matched with a therapist at NeurAlive.

More Anxiety Help

Coupled with counselling or as a stand-alone intervention, neurofeedback is a highly effective tool to relieve the tension in the nervous system at the root of anxiety.  A pleasant and non-invasive process covered by most extended health plans, NeurAlive has supported hundreds of youth to overcome the debilitating effects of anxiety via neurofeedback brain-training.