Anxiety. It’s something many have, but at the same time, not enough people seem to understand it. It can affect kids, adults, seniors, and definitely teenagers. If you have a teen of your own, understanding anxiety can be a challenge. In this post, we will give you a few ways moms can help teenagers cope with teen anxiety.
Helping Your Anxious Teenager Cope with Teen Anxiety
This post is a guest post sponsored by BetterHelp and Regain. I am pleased to be working with 2 online counseling services to bring you this important information on teen anxiety! BetterHelp and Regain are changing the face of counseling! Now receive counseling from the comfort and convenience of your own home!
As parents it can be so scary when our teenager begin to struggle with anxiety. How to we help? And what should we NOT do?
Understand Your Teen’s Anxiety is Valid
For a teen, there are plenty of reasons to be anxious. Relationship troubles, college preparation, exams, learning how to drive, the list goes on. Sometimes, anxiety can occur for no apparent reason. As a parent, the worst thing you can do is invalidate your teen’s anxiety and tell them that it’s all in their head, or imply that your teenager is faking anxiety.
Parents and teens need to realize that anxiety is normal, and it deserves treatment.
Do you struggle with anxiety as a parent? Find my tips here to calming your anxious thoughts.
Validate your teen by discussing their anxiety and listening to them.
If You Can Eliminate the Cause of Anxiety, Do So
Some anxieties are due to things beyond the teen’s control. For example, wondering if a girl or guy likes them back.
However, if the teen can fix the problem, then they should do so. If your teenager is anxious about a test, study with them or help them find a tutor. If they want to learn how to drive, but feel nervous, see if together you all can make small goals for your teen to gradually work toward.
Work with your teenager to identify their anxiety. Then see if you all can create a plan to face the source of their anxiety.
Cope with Teen Anxiety by Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness has helped many, and anyone of any age can learn it. Mindfulness is complete awareness of the present and your body. Mindfulness strides to eliminate self-defeating thoughts and other unreasonable worries.
Mindfulness is achieved through meditation, controlled breathing, studying the world around you, and more. There are many activities you can research to achieve mindfulness, and the entire family can get on it.
Getting Rest Lessons Anxiety
One reason teens are often anxious is because of the stress of school. Teens can be up all night on projects or studying for that big test. And then they have to wake up so early!
Make sure your teen is getting sleep. Not enough sleep can intensify the anxiety. Discuss and set an appropriate bedtime. Also help them learn techniques to wind down at night such as turning off their phones and shutting down the TV a half an hour before they want to go to bed.
Discuss the Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Another reason anxiety can be so bad for teens, is the physical symptoms they may struggle with when their anxiety worsens
Some teens may have full-on panic attacks and think they are dying. Anxiety can feed itself and grow stronger. Talk with your teen, helping them to see that while the anxiety may present with physical symptoms, they are not dying.
Develop Relaxing Hobbies
Provided that they are finished with all their projects, entertainment and other distractions can be great for a teen. Besides games, provide building sets, STEM toys, and other things that can help them grow and possibly discover their passion. For more information, click here for some cool ideas.
Looking for some creative ways to help your teen connect to their interests? Go here!
Just a Phase?
Some anxiety cases can be just a passing phase for a teen. The anxiety may lessen over time. Or your teen may learn how to manage it better.
With that said, it should be treated. If left untreated, the anxiety can worsen over time. Even if the anxiety is temporary, you should make sure that your teen’s well-being is on top. Help your teenager find ways to cope with teen anxiety so that they recognize the choices they can make to feel better.
Help for Coping with Teen Anxiety
Sometimes, seeking out help for teen anxiety makes the journey a little easier. It’s okay for teens to get counseling, and they shouldn’t be ashamed about doing so. Online counseling has made it easier than ever to get help, especially for the teen on the go. Sites such as Regain can help, giving teens, and adults, access to healthcare.
Teen anxiety is tough. Anxiety in general is hard. Talking to a therapist can be a good solution that can not only help your teen but you as well!
What to know more about Regain? “Regain is an online relationship counseling platform. We change the way people get help facing relationship challenges by providing convenient, discreet, and affordable access to a licensed therapist.” Find out more information on Regain and all their services here.
Would you love some support for yourself as a mom as you go through the joys and struggles of raising teens? Join us over on Facebook for tips, laughs and a shared community of moms of tweens and teens just like you!
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