Categories
Addiction Alcoholism Anxiety Mental Health PTSD Recovery

Addressing Recovery and Trauma

Image by Southworth Sailor via Flickr

A history of sexual violence can create an ideal environment for a variety of mental-health issues, addiction, and alcoholism. Often, the triggering event or events are hidden in the annals of one’s mind and perceived as shameful, deep, dark secrets too horrible to share…with anyone. As a result, drugs, alcohol, and risk-taking behaviors are often seen as the primary issue when one enters treatment. Time and again, we see that this isn’t always the case; That becomes clear when we look at it in terms of statistics:

  • One out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed rape; 2.8% attempted rape)[1];
  • 29% are age 12-17;
  • 44% are under age 18;
  • 80% are under age 30.; 12-34 are the highest risk years.
  • Girls ages 16-19 are 4 times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault;
  • 7% if girls in grades 5-8 (approx. ages 10-13) and 12% of girls in grades 9-12 (approx. ages 14-17) said they had been sexually abused;
  • 3% of boys grades 5-8 and 5% of boys in grades 9-12 said they have been sexually abused[2].

As I frequently tweet Intervention, one of the things I notice on a regular basis is the consistency in which the women on the show are frequently struggling with a history of sexual violence, and are using drugs, alcohol, and promiscuity as their  primary coping skill. From the outside looking in, it’s clear that the goal is to try to desensitize and anesthetize feelings of shame and guilt, et cetera; in other words, do anything and everything NOT to feel, remember, re-experience, or suffer from the emotional attachment to the event itself.

Twelve-step programs were written with specific goals in mind: to stop the alcoholic/addict from drinking and using. The steps work well in that regard, mostly because they are based on the disease model, addressing issues of alcoholism and addiction accordingly. However, the same tools provided to address addiction issues don’t always work in concert with mental-health issues, particularly those attached to sexual violence. We know the steps adequately provide an alcoholic/addict with the necessary skills needed to learn to take responsibility for and subsequently change their negative behaviors. They do so by asking the addict/alcoholic to take responsibility for their actions, face their fears, and acknowledge that they took part in creating their own demise. However, being sexually abused or raped isn’t a negative behavior to be changed but rather a causative, biting factor in things like:

  • Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Eating Disorders

What then, do we do from a recovery standpoint when the predominant disease model isn’t geared to address issues of this caliber? The Big Book, the 12-step primer, was written by men addressing men’s issues, in a time when women were typically viewed as the ones affected by their spouse’s alcoholism and not as the alcoholics themselves. As more women began to come forward as alcoholics and addicts, the tools didn’t always adapt to the new issues that arose because of gender disparity, but rather, they stayed the same, assuming a one-size-fits-all mentality.  In the cases of women dealing with sexual violence, being asked to take responsibility for an abuse event has the potentiality to create more or actually deepen the existing trauma, particularly if the innate issues of shame and guilt associated with it are ignored. The reality is, being victimized by sexual violence is not the fault of the victim. What does need to be addressed, however, is the anger, self-victimization, and negative behavioral byproducts occurring as a result.

We clearly have a multi-layered healing process on our hands, so first, the negative coping skills must be eliminated: Sobriety is an obvious first step and necessary component to support the healing process. Additionally, working with meditation and mind-body awareness techniques are also useful in helping one manage their anxiety, negative feelings toward oneself, and in re-building self-esteem. A therapist skilled in treating PTSD and this sort of trauma is also important, particularly since this is often a lifelong process.

It is in forgiving ourselves that we have the ability to become free.



[1] National Institute of Justice & Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Prevalence, Incidence and Consequences of Violence Against Women Survey. 1998.
[2] 1998 Commonwealth Fund Survey of the Health of Adolescent Girls. 1998

Sources and support:
RAINN
One in Four
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Originally posted on October 25, 2011 @ 8:21 pm

Categories
Anxiety Mental Health Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Destigmatizing OCD

 

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OCD is a form of anxiety occurring when the brain has difficulty dealing with worries and concerns. As a result, someone with OCD will constantly worry and obsess over things that may seem banal to a non-sufferer. For some kids, their worries are focused on cleanliness or germs, resulting in repetitive hand-washing rituals. For others, it could be repeatedly straightening out an area, trying to achieve perfection. These obsessive and repetitive behaviors are done ritualistically or compulsively in order to quell the pervasive anxiety induced as a result of obsessive thought patterns. Often, an OCD sufferer will focus on things being in “order” or “just right,” also as a means to reduce the lingering, scary thoughts infiltrating their minds.  While some kids may recognize they don’t need to act on these behaviors, the disorder itself propels then to do it anyway. It’s not their fault. Interestingly, acting on the repetitive thought patterns does minimally reduce the anxiety, albeit temporarily.

I want to point out that worrying is also a natural part of childhood, so is having small rituals (like wearing your lucky t-shirt before a game), being super organized, double-checking to make sure the door’s locked, et cetera. Kids and teens naturally worry about things, be it school, whether they’re liked, whether they “look cool” for school or to impress that guy or girl, or whether their parents are ever going to get along. With OCD, these rituals become extreme. So, if you notice repetitive, ritualistic, and compulsive behaviors becoming more extreme and negatively impacting one’s day-to-day life, then it’s appropriate to take a closer look at the cause and take action.

That means seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist who will ask questions about obsessions or compulsions. Some of these questions may include:

  • Do you have worries, thoughts, images, feelings, or ideas that bother or upset or scare you?
  • Do you feel you have to check, repeat, ask, or do things over and over again?
  • Do you feel you have to do things a certain number of times, or in a certain pattern?

Once the diagnosis is made, then treatment can begin. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a preferred treatment for OCD. A CBT therapist will work with a child or adolescent with OCD and help them learn that they are in charge, not the OCD. Often the CBT will integrate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) as part of the treatment. With ERP, the strategy is to gradually expose the sufferer to their trigger (fears) so they can develop skills and learn not to respond to them with such urgency. The process allows the OCD sufferer to begin to recognize that their fear is just that: a fear, not a reality; it also helps the brain “reset” the very mechanisms that trigger the obsessive behavior. It’s important to remember that treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder takes patience, time, diligence and hard work.

Remember, there is no shame in asking for help or in getting treatment. Having OCD doesn’t mean you’re crazy, or broken in some way. There is a solution.

Originally posted on October 19, 2011 @ 11:38 pm

Categories
Anxiety Bullying

Bullies: Not My Child!

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In today’s seemingly accepting society, why does bullying continue to be such a terrible epidemic? Why are gay teens still heavily targeted by kids in schools and social settings? And why are kids who are outside of the normative pop-culture box automatically seen as gay or weird? I see this behavior even at the elementary school level, where the biggest insult a child can throw at someone they don’t like is a gay slur. We have a problem–one that’s resulted in numerous suicides by teens breaking under the pressure of needless harassment and hatred.

Schools have anti-bullying programs in full effect, and in many ways, they are effective in eliminating the acute bullying attacks that kids experience. What is missing, however, is a way for kids to deal with the subtle bullying that continues to happen in the hallways and playgrounds. For instance, a child that alerts an authority will often fall subject to additional bullying for “telling,” enduring the continuation of threats and shaming albeit in subversive and low whispers. This goes on to create an intensely hostile environment for the victim and those who witness this behavior. I worry that the gap between the administration and hallway socialization is ultimately pushing bullying underground.
When children feel threatened, they cannot learn,” says Arne Duncan U.S. Education Secretary. Time and time again we see a bullied child revert inward to escape the emotional trauma induced by bullying antics, leaving things like school work on the wayside. Honestly, fractions become banal when one’s fighting for their survival on the social level.

Many things define bullying:

  • Verbal: name-calling and teasing.
  • Social: spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships
  • Physical: hitting, punching, shoving
  • Cyberbullying: using the Internet, mobile phones, or technology to cause harm.

Remember, an act of bullying can fall into any of these categories, be it in one area, or several.

The BULLIED may:

  • Have higher risk of depression and anxiety, including the following symptoms, that may persist into adulthood:
    • Increased feelings of sadness and loneliness
    • Changes in sleep and eating patterns
    • Loss of interest in activities
  • Have increased thoughts about suicide that may persist into adulthood. In one study, adults who recalled being bullied in youth were 3 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts or inclinations.
  • Are more likely to have health complaints. In one study, being bullied was associated with physical health status 3 years later.
  • Have decreased academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores) and school participation.
  • Are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.
  • Are more likely to retaliate through extremely violent measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a history of being bullied.

And the BULLY may:

  • Have a higher risk of abusing alcohol and other drugs in adolescence and as adults.
  • Are more likely to get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school.
  • Are more likely to engage in early sexual activity.
  • Are more likely to have criminal convictions and traffic citations as adults. In one study, 60% of boys who bullied others in middle school had a criminal conviction by age 24.
  • Are more likely to be abusive toward their romantic partners, spouses or children as adults.

And the WITNESSES:

  • Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
  • Have increased mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
  • Are more likely to miss or skip school

Where the concern lies mostly in helping the bullied, and punishing the bully, it helps to remember that the latter is suffering as well. What makes a bully is often times another bully. It’s important that in our ardent efforts to heal the effects of bullying, we don’t forget to examine the cause. If you discover that your child is the bully, get them help. Find out the cause of their violence and do something about it.

Bullying impacts everyone: the bullied, the bully, and the witness. No one gets out unscathed.

Statistics sourced from:
StopBullying.gov

Get into ACTION:
Challenge Day (www.challengeday.org)

Originally posted on September 23, 2011 @ 2:12 pm

Categories
Addiction Anxiety Depression Mental Health Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) PTSD Recovery Therapy Treatment

MDMA: Is This Psychotropic Drug Helpful, Harmful, or Both?

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Last time I wrote about ecstasy, it was about the rise in ER visits and the inherent dangers of using a drug that inevitably depletes one’s levels of serotonin and has the potentiality of long-term brain damage. So, when I came across an article talking about using MDMA (ecstasy) to treat post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), my curiosity was sparked. Psychedelic drugs have been used to treat mental illness before, and with some success: In the 50s and 60s, psychology was in a Freudian phase, viewing psychological issues as conflicts between the conscious and unconscious minds. At that time, psychedelics were used to allow patients to face their unconscious minds while awake, which purportedly eliminated the variables of memory retrieval. Still, these methods of treatment weren’t without controversy.  With the influx of street use, and folks like Timothy Leary telling people to “”Turn on, tune in and drop out,” the use of psychedelia to treat mental illness was met with great discernment and fell to the wayside.

Currently, interest in using MDMA and other psychedelics to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and PTSD is gaining traction. MAPS is doing extended research on this subject, and states that MDMA isn’t the street drug we call ecstasy, noting that while ecstasy contains MDMA, it also may contain ketamine, caffeine, BZP, and other narcotics and stimulants. According the MAPS site they are “undertakinga 10-year, $10 million plan to make MDMA into an FDA-approved prescription medicine.” They are also “currently the only organization in the world funding clinical trials of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. For-profit pharmaceutical companies are not interested in developing MDMA into a medicine because the patent for MDMA has expired. Companies also cannot profit from MDMA because it is only administered a limited number of times, unlike most medications for mental illnesses which are taken on a daily basis.”

The use of this drug has leaned so far from its psychotherapeutic roots, proving to be one of the most popular, highly sought-after street drugs around. Because of this, the useful aspect of this drug may easily be overlooked, forcing us to question how we can take something that has morphed into a social enigma and call it useful. I’m curious, will sufficient research place this drug at the discerning hands of medical professionals once again? And how do we, as a recovery community accept this when we have kids coming in suffering from the long-term, negative effects caused by this very drug?

Related articles:

MDMA May Help Relieve Posttraumatic Stress Disorder(time.com)

Ecstasy As Treatment for PTSD from Sexual Trauma and War? New Research Shows Very Promising Results (alternet.org)

Clinical Study of MDMA Confirms Benefits Noted by Therapists Before It Was Banned (reason.com)

Neuroscience for Kids

Ecstasy Associated With Chronic Change in Brain Function

 

Originally posted on June 14, 2011 @ 1:54 pm

Categories
Anxiety

Can We Shut Off Anxiety?

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Anxiety is among the most common psychiatric disorders as well as a contributing factor for major depression and substance abuse, affecting around 18% of the population (Adults 18 and older). Adolescents aren’t exempt from this, though. Anxiety in the teen years is quite common. For some, “anxiety often hums along like background noise,”  but for others, it can become a “chronic, high-pitched state, interfering with their ability to attend school and to perform up to their academic potential.” It can create difficulties with making and keeping friends, participating in activities, and even having positive relationships with family. Anxiety can be present itself as simply as feeling uneasy in a situation or it can develop into panic attacks and phobias.

Most recently, Stanford University published a paper talking about a new study using optogenetics to look at the brain circuitry involved in anxiety. They used optogenetics to look at the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for emotional processing) for answers. They discovered when the amygdala was stimulated in mice, the mice were able to explore spaces where they had previously shown fear. Interestingly enough, “The anxiety-reducing brain circuit is located — counterintuitively — in a part of the brain that is typically associated with fear, which may explain why scientists have overlooked it before.” What this will do for humans will take time to research, but the findings in this study are encouraging.

While the scientists continue to work toward discovering better treatments for anxiety and fine-tuning this particular study, we still need to be aware of symptoms and behaviors that may be affecting us or someone we care about.
Symptoms can include: restlessness, vigilance, signs of extreme stress; in social settings, one may appear dependent, withdrawn, or uneasy. There may be some physical symptoms as well, like stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, skittishness, and trembling.
Adolescence is tough on its own and this is an opportunity to have a dialogue with your teen so they can have the opportunity to get help before they start self-medicating with drugs and alcohol.

Surely, we would love an immediate answer and “fix” to our anxiety troubles, but it is going to take some time. The good thing is, there is hope that this will lead to new and better treatments. This is definitely a study to watch! 

Originally posted on March 23, 2011 @ 4:01 pm

Categories
Anxiety Depression Mental Health Recovery Self-Harm

Cutting: Beyond YouTube

Cutting is back in the spotlight after a study by TheJournal of the American Academy of Pediatrics brought attention to the high numbers of YouTube videos showing teens and young adults exhibiting self-harming behaviors. By simply typing “self-harm” and “self-injury” into YouTube’s search engine, Dr. Steven P. Lewis, et al, discovered numerousvideos showing various levels of self-harming behavior.After extensive review and documentation, these were the findings:

“The top 100 videos analyzed were viewed over 2 million times, and most (80%) were accessible to a general audience. Viewers rated the videos positively (M = 4.61; SD: 0.61 out of 5.0) and selected videos as a favorite over 12 000 times. The videos’ tones were largely factual or educational (53%) or melancholic (51%). Explicit imagery of self-injury was common. Specifically, 90% of noncharacter videos had nonsuicidal self-injury photographs, whereas 28% of character videos had in-action nonsuicidal self-injury. For both, cutting was the most common method. Many videos (58%) do not warn about this content.”

Researchers worry that these videos might lead to a normative view of cutting and self-harming. As one who self-harmed for years (even into my sobriety), my concern isn’t whether or not this will be viewed as normal, but rather, is anyone taking action and listening to this loud cry for help?
It’s not fun to self-harm. It isn’t a source of pride. It’s not something you share with those around you. It’s not something you do to feel “a part of” or to be “cool.” For me, it was something I did to actually feel because I was so numbed out. In the flash of the adrenaline rush, I felt alive and present when I self-harmed. I felt like it was the only way to feel “real” in my otherwise surreal life. I also felt immediate and devastating shame. It was scary. It was embarrassing. Having to explain abhorent injuries to the curious when the perpetrator is you is nightmarish.
Getting help took an act of bravery on my part. I had to tell someone. I had to talk about it…openly. I had to face my shame and fear so I could transform it into something positive. I had to do some deep, spiritual work in order to learn how to turn self-harm into self-care. I continue to do this work, so I can  revel in self-care and be of service to others. I had to build a fellowship of support that would be there if I slipped back. I empathize for the kids on YouTube. I hope someone reaches out the hand of recovery and lets them know they don’t have to hurt like that anymore.

Originally posted on February 22, 2011 @ 3:47 pm

Categories
Anxiety Uncategorized

4 Symptoms of High Functioning Anxiety Among Teens  

High-functioning anxiety in teens often manifests as excessive worry, perfectionism, and overachievement. They may be successful and driven but struggle with constant nervousness, restlessness, and self-doubt. Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances are common. Despite their outward achievements, these teens may secretly battle intense fear of failure and social anxiety. 

 

Seeing your teen constantly stressed and striving for perfection can be worrisome, especially when they seem to never relax.

On one hand, seeing a teen show passion and engagement would make any parent proud – but when their success is hiding dangerous trends such as overworking, self-doubt, and even self-harm, then it’s important to peek behind the curtain and figure out what’s going on.

This article explores the most common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety among teens. 

 

Understanding High-Functioning Anxiety 

Stress is not inherently a bad thing, but anxiety usually is.

Being overly anxious means stressing excessively, and usually over the small things. Too much stress can eat away at us, affecting our health, mood, and quality of life.  

Not all levels of anxiety result in an anxiety disorder. Mental health disorders are usually characterized by a lack of functioning or some form of impairment. However, some teens function just fine while experiencing anxiety. While they might not need a diagnosis, they still need help.  

You can function while anxious, but that won’t detract from the negative effects of long-term anxiety – especially on anxious teens, who are still in the middle of physical and mental development and might burn out before even reaching adulthood.   

 

Symptoms of High-Functioning Anxiety Among Teens 

Teens with high-functioning anxiety might be very outgoing, even aggressive, and seemingly get everything done the way they want.

But underneath the veneer of a Type A personality hides a neurotic and stressed mind. At first glance, high-functioning anxiety among teens can be hard to spot and easy to miss – but a closer look tells us more.

Here’s a closer look at some of the common symptoms of high-functioning anxiety among teens: 

Emotional Symptoms 

The emotional symptoms of high-functioning anxiety are the same as any other form of anxiety.

Teens with high-functioning anxiety experience persistent fears or worries, often to an excessive degree. They also feel tense most of the time, restless, and unable to relax.

Teens with high-functioning anxiety might realize that they’re worrying too much, but that often becomes another thing to worry about.  

Cognitive Symptoms 

Despite their high-functioning, teens with anxiety do struggle cognitively.

They overthink about the future, set themselves too many “what-if” scenarios, excessively plan or think about future outcomes, and strive for perfection to the degree that they scrap perfectly good work or don’t allow themselves to finish personal projects.  

Behavioral Symptoms 

As a result of their high-functioning anxiety, many teens experience episodes of procrastination due to being worried about imperfection, followed by an intense work crunch.

They are more likely to say yes to everyone and no to no one, leading to fully packed schedules.

They saw approval and reassurances from everyone.  

Physical Symptoms 

Anxiety can have a direct impact on a teen’s health, most clearly seen in a lack of sleep.

Restlessness and insomnia are common in teens with high-functioning anxiety, resulting in physical and mental fatigue.

They might also be easily startled and more likely to get sick (and less likely to call in a sick day).  

 

Impact on Daily Life 

On the outside, high-functioning anxiety allows teens to set and meet nearly any goal they choose. They’re driven – and it shows.  

But they’re often driven by fear. Fear of failure, fear of not meeting expectations, fear of falling short, fear of being found out (imposter syndrome), and fear of not being enough. Teens experiencing high-functioning anxiety might be one big mistake or one bad day away from experiencing a panic attack or a mental breakdown.  

Socially, teens with high-functioning anxiety have a hard time turning down an invitation, even if they don’t really want to be there. They’re afraid of driving people away, of saying no, and are much more likely to be people-pleasers to their own detriment. They tend to have full schedules all the time.  

Privately, teens who struggle with high-functioning anxiety often pick up a number of quirks as potential coping mechanisms for their anxiety, including nervous chatter, nervous habits (lip biting, knuckle cracking), procrastination and crunch work, repetitive behavior (rocking, repeating phrases, counting objects), an overloaded schedule, a need for validation and affirmation, physical fatigue, restlessness, and a much higher potential for substance abuse.  

 

Coping Strategies and Support 

Recognizing a high-functioning, anxious teen isn’t hard once you know what to look for. If you see your loved one or best friend struggle underneath the surface, consider reaching out to help.  

It’s not always easy for someone with high-functioning anxiety to agree that they need help. While they might agree that they’re anxious, they might fear losing their drive if they start addressing their fears.  

In other cases, they might not want to recognize that their thought processes are driven by anxiety or that trying to get help for their sources of “motivation” is an overreaction.  

Despite their achievements, teens who struggle with high-functioning anxiety are ultimately struggling with anxiety.

It can shorten their lives, put them at greater risk of maladaptive coping, and worsen their relationships. Getting help can change that.  

 

Teen Anxiety Treatment 

Are you concerned about your teen’s constant worry and stress despite their apparent success?

Imagine a future where they can achieve their goals and, most importantly, be happy without the burden of anxiety holding them back.

At Visions Treatment Centers, our expert team specializes in helping teens address anxiety through individualized, compassionate, and effective treatment programs—contact us today to learn more about teen anxiety and our treatment modalities. 

 

Conclusion 

High-functioning anxiety in teens often manifests as excessive worry, perfectionism, and overachievement.

Despite their outward successes and driven nature, they may struggle with constant nervousness, restlessness, and self-doubt, accompanied by physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Teens with high-functioning anxiety might not seem to need help, but they’re more likely to struggle with the downsides of their neurotic side in the long term.  

Categories
Anxiety

What Causes Anxiety in Teens?

What causes anxiety in teens? Both external and internal factors play a huge role, from a personal susceptibility to stress and anxiety, to family dynamics, academic pressure, the news, and social media. Recognizing the signs of an anxiety disorder and its potential causes can help parents and educators provide better support for teens and prepare them for the challenges of early adulthood.

Anxiety disorders affect a growing rate of teens every year, which has expanded the need for teenage anxiety treatment. Experts agree that we’re seeing more anxiety in teens, and not just because we’ve adjusted our diagnostic criteria and improved the screening process. But why? What factors contribute the most to the development of teen anxiety symptoms?

This article explores a common question we hear from concerned parents: what causes anxiety in teens?

Understanding Teen Anxiety

Feelings of worry and fear characterize anxiety disorders. These are normal feelings and part of the human experience, but an anxiety disorder describes a level of worry or fear that is entirely irrational.

Experiencing generalized anxiety, for example, can be debilitating. People who experience GAD latch onto specific events or occurrences in the past, present, or future, and experience irrational worry, often without a specific cause for concern. They are often exhausted and even feel physically tired due to recurring and uncontrollable negative thoughts about what could be or what may happen.

Related: 8 Common Signs of Teen Anxiety and Depression

Phobias are an extreme and particular form of anxiety, where a person’s intrusive and unwanted thoughts revolve around a singular intense fear. A teen with a strong fear of the ocean will not only avoid rides to the beach but may even feel anxious and uncomfortable looking at satellite imagery or depictions of vast open seas.

Some phobias are more debilitating than others. Social phobia, or a social anxiety disorder, is more common among teens than most other anxiety conditions because the age of onset for phobias is earlier than some other forms of anxiety. Teens with social anxiety will struggle to trust others, struggle to communicate, and struggle to foster and nurture friendships at a crucial point in their life.

What Causes Anxiety in Teens?

We know that anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety can be inherited. Genes play a role, and people with more instances of anxiety in their close family are more likely to experience anxiety later in life.

Many environmental factors also play a role in exacerbating or amplifying that risk. For teens, these factors include the loss of the “third place,” increased stressful events both globally and domestically, changes in parenting styles, social media, and even the aftermath of a global pandemic, which continues to have mental repercussions.

Here’s what causes anxiety in teens:

Academic Pressures: Grades, College, and Future

Teens have had to worry about their grades for generations, but today’s teens may worry about school more than their parents.

Not only are higher forms of education becoming an expected standard for employment in many industries, but parents continue to apply greater pressure on their teens than previous generations did.

Studies show that teens and young adults consistently rate academic stress as the dominant stress factor in their mental well-being.

Social Media: Comparisons and Cyberbullying

The Internet is one of the most transformative inventions in human history. Such transformation comes with its benefits and detriments.

Social media, for example, has changed how people interact with each other on a fundamental level—and in many ways, it has damaged how teens perceive themselves and others.

While social media has become a powerful tool for teens to organize into groups and to meet like-minded people across continents and time zones, it also continues to be a potential catalyst for factors encouraging self-harm and anxiety.

Related: The Link Between Screen Time and Anxiety in Teens

Physical Changes: Puberty and Self-Image Issues

Adolescence is an incredibly confusing time for teens, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, particularly social anxiety.

The teen years include drastic changes in the social hierarchy, upending friendships, and ultimately changing personalities. Furthermore, body image issues fueled by physical puberty become ammunition for bullying and negative self-consciousness.

Family Dynamics: Expectations and Conflicts

As teens learn to individualize and think about their path in life, they begin to distance themselves from family members and seek confrontation and friction with their closest relatives.

The rebellious phase is an essential part of any teen’s mental and social development, but it can also cause stress within a family and lead to conflict. Furthermore, pre-existing problems in the family dynamic – from sibling rivalries and attachment issues to dysfunctional communication or a lack of parental understanding, can exacerbate and worsen feelings of anxiety.

World Events: Uncertainty and Fear

The 21st century has had a tumultuous first few decades, with the explosion of the Internet and the beginning of the war on terror, to the acknowledgment of widespread and increasingly irreversible manmade climate change, multiple record-breaking recessions, the Arab Spring, a war in Europe, and a pandemic of proportions unseen since the Spanish flu.

Teens today are more politically engaged and more vocal on environmental issues, reproductive health, LGBTQ+, and gun control, especially on platforms like Twitter and TikTok.

Teen Anxiety Coping Mechanisms: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

How you deal with stress can play a role in how it continues to affect you in the long term. This is true for teens and adults. Poor coping mechanisms may offer a short-term reprieve from stress but often make things worse over time.

Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use or self-harm, temporarily release endorphins but fail to address the underlying stressors and can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, help reduce anxiety in the long term.

Support Systems: Role of Family and Friends

By offering a non-judgmental space for teens to express their feelings and concerns, family and friends can contribute to destigmatizing anxiety. Additionally, involving family and friends in treatment planning and implementing supportive strategies can enhance the overall effectiveness of anxiety management efforts.

Related: How to Help a Teen with Anxiety

Professional Help: When to Seek It

Anxiety in teens can be debilitating. It can cause sleepless nights, poorer focus, and memory problems, affecting a teen’s physical health.

It’s essential to consider professional help once a teen’s everyday worries or jitters become recurring, uncontrollable, and irrational fears. Parents, friends, and educators alike should look for telltale signs of teen anxiety, such as fatigue and insomnia, irritability, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and excessive worrying.

Related: The Benefits of Counseling for Teen Anxiety

Teen Anxiety Treatment

Are you concerned about your teen’s anxiety? We at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers offer specialized treatment programs for teens who may benefit from teen anxiety treatment, including residential treatment and intensive outpatient care.

Our evidence-based therapies, compassionate care, and supportive environment can help your teen find peace and make progress toward mental well-being.

Contact us today to take the first step on your teen’s journey.

Conclusion

What causes anxiety in teens?

The most relevant factors include inherited susceptibility to stress and external factors like family dynamics, academic pressure, social media, and global events.

Identifying potential causes can help friends and family provide effective support while preparing teens for the challenges of adulthood. It’s also important to recognize the signs of teen anxiety and encourage professional treatment.

 

Categories
Anxiety

How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety Disorder

Want to know how to help a teenager with anxiety disorder? A parent can support a teenager with anxiety by creating a calm and safe environment, actively listening to their worries without judgment, and encouraging open communication. It’s crucial to educate oneself about anxiety disorders, recognize the teen’s efforts to manage their anxiety, and gently encourage them to seek professional help if their anxiety significantly impacts their daily life. Patience, understanding, and love are key.

Parents do their best to step up to the challenges of adolescence. But anxiety disorders, like other mental health issues, can be overwhelming and challenging to help manage.

When dealing with an anxiety disorder, it’s essential to offer understanding and guidance and to model behavior that helps teens better manage their symptoms and build mental resilience. It’s also important to know when to seek professional teenage anxiety treatment from a teen treatment center.

Many anxiety disorders require treatment, often in the form of talk therapy and medication. Left untreated, teens with anxiety disorders continue to struggle in school and may even develop co-occurring health problems.

This article explores how to help a teenager with anxiety disorder.

How to Help a Teenager with Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders cover a wide variety of mental health diagnoses, all of which share the characteristics of irrational worry and intrusive thinking.

People who struggle with anxiety feel the same way most of us do when faced with a stressful situation, but they may experience additional unwanted thoughts or even compulsive behaviors. Anxiety disorders can result in feeling overwhelmed or excessively worried and frightened, even in situations where there is no rational cause for concern.

Developing resilience towards stress and anxiety takes time and practice, especially for teens. Adolescence is the most common onset period for anxiety disorders, and many people take years to find effective ways to cope with their anxiety. A controlled treatment program can help teens adjust to their anxieties, identify and address intrusive thoughts or unwanted behaviors, and utilize mental exercises, medication, and helpful lifestyle changes to minimize the degree to which anxiety interferes with their daily lives. Here’s how to help a teenager with anxiety disorder.

Related: The Dos and Don’ts of Helping Teens with Anxiety

Talk With Your Teenager and Listen Carefully

Clear and open communication is crucial for a healthy parent-child relationship. However, teens with mental health issues like anxiety or depression rely on a healthy parent-child relationship more so than other teens might.

Improving the way you communicate with your teen creates and fosters an expectation of trust, reliance, and unconditional love. It can also help teens reassure themselves that they can always talk to their parents about their feelings without judgment or negativity.

For some parents, this is easier said than done. Most parents want the best for their children, but many struggle to communicate their concerns or love in a way that a teenager can understand. When teens come to you with their emotional issues, they’re not always looking for solutions to their problems—especially when the solutions you might come up with aren’t always going to apply to the nuances and circumstances of their situation.

Related: 5 Teen Anxiety Symptoms (And How to Cope)

Provide a Supportive Environment at Home

Being a parent means providing a supportive environment at home. However, some parents need to change their expectations of what support might look like when taking care of a teen with anxiety issues.

It’s not just about keeping a clean home or having food on the table – both important. It’s also about the emotional dynamics at home – sibling or parent relationships, conflicts within the family, and unresolved issues. For some parents with anxious children, family therapy can help address root issues that may be contributing to a teen’s stress.

Develop an Understanding of How Anxiety Affects Teenagers

Education matters – not just for teens, but for parents as well. If you’re wondering how to help a teenager with anxiety disorder, then you’re already taking steps in the right direction.

Continue to learn about different anxiety disorders, co-occurring disorders, and common treatment methods. Learn more about how different therapeutic approaches aim to help build a teen’s self-confidence and mental resilience and the roles that stress management plays in reducing anxiety.

Teach Your Teen Coping Strategies

Anxiety symptoms flare up in response to stress. The more challenging things are, the more teens with an anxiety disorder are likely to struggle with unwanted thoughts, worries, or fears. Learning effective and healthy coping strategies can help teens manage their anxiety, both acutely and in the long term.

Effective coping strategies can include music and art, puzzle games, exercise, walks in the park, swimming, or other sports.

Set Realistic Goals

Part of anxiety is worrying. Part of anxiety treatment is worrying about treatment. If your teen is anxious about their therapy, or the progress they’re making, it can help to set periodic goals that provide a sense of progression throughout the treatment process.

If your teen struggles with certain “normal” things because of their anxiety, like getting groceries alone, going to the gym in public, or cooking without instructions, then you could talk to their therapist about finding ways to incorporate these meaningful yet realistic goals into the treatment process. Still, it’s also important to remember that treatment isn’t always about “fixing” someone. It’s okay not to like certain things or to prefer doing things one way over another. This step can include setting realistic expectations for yourself as a parent.

Promote Social Support and Connection

Prosocial behavior is often a marker for improved mental health. Teens open to new experiences and meeting new people share healthier self-esteem and are more likely to have a positive outlook on life.

In treatment, teens also get to know other kids with anxiety problems and similar mental health issues. It can be healthy and helpful to see other people struggle and manage these symptoms and realize that you’re not alone. It can also be helpful to share common challenges and offer mutual support through group chats or meetings.

Explore Teen Anxiety Treatment

Exploring teen anxiety treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges that adolescents face.

A holistic approach is often most effective, integrating evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques with creative outlets such as art and music therapy.

These methods address the symptoms of anxiety and aim to enhance overall well-being and resilience. Additionally, the role of family support cannot be understated; education and guidance for families are crucial in creating a nurturing environment that encourages open communication and understanding.

This multifaceted strategy helps teenagers develop essential coping skills, bolster self-esteem, and rediscover joy and purpose.

Related: The Benefits of Counseling for Teen Anxiety

Teen Anxiety Treatment at Visions

Witnessing your teen struggle with anxiety can be heart-wrenching, but there’s a beacon of hope that shines bright. Joining a teen treatment center can help provide the teen anxiety treatment needed to help teens cope with anxiety.

Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers specialize in tailoring anxiety treatment to the unique needs of teenagers, integrating therapy, education, and support in a nurturing environment.

Imagine your teen embracing life confidently, equipped with coping skills to navigate their emotions healthily and positively.

Contact us today, and let’s take the first step together toward your teen’s brighter, anxiety-free future.

Conclusion

Addressing teen anxiety with a holistic and integrated approach is crucial for fostering resilience and well-being.

By combining evidence-based therapies with creative outlets and strong family support, teenagers can develop the coping skills to navigate their emotions and challenges effectively. Such a comprehensive strategy ensures that adolescents survive and thrive, equipped to face life’s ups and downs confidently.

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Anxiety

How to Help a Teen with Anxiety

To help a teen with anxiety, it’s crucial to listen without judgment, encourage honest communication, and show empathy. Key steps include educating yourself on anxiety, promoting a supportive home environment, and seeking professional guidance. Patience and understanding from parents can significantly aid in a teen’s journey to manage anxiety effectively.

Discovering how to support a teen with anxiety can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers.

The key lies in understanding the issue, showing empathy, and taking proactive steps to assist. You can make a significant difference by recognizing the early signs, creating a supportive environment, and exploring the benefits of teenage anxiety treatment at a teen treatment center.

This article explores how to help a teen with anxiety.

How to Help a Teen with Anxiety

Teen anxiety is more than just a phase; it’s a condition that can significantly impact a young person’s life.

Recognizing the signs early is crucial for providing the necessary support. Anxiety in teens can manifest as irritability, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, or an overwhelming sense of worry.

By addressing these signs early, parents can help prevent their teen’s anxiety from escalating. Understanding and support from loved ones are vital.

Here’s how to help a teen with anxiety.

Recognize the Signs of Teen Anxiety

Understanding how to help a teen with anxiety begins with recognizing the signs. Teen anxiety can manifest in various ways, including excessive worry about everyday activities, avoidance of social situations, changes in sleeping patterns, or unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.

Teens might also exhibit a noticeable decline in academic performance or lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.

It’s essential to observe these changes without immediate judgment, acknowledging that these behaviors are not just typical teenage moodiness but could be indicators of anxiety.

Early recognition is crucial in providing timely support and guiding them toward appropriate help.

Some of the most common signs of teen anxiety include the following:

  • Excessive Worrying: Constant, intense worry about everyday activities, school performance, or social interactions that seems disproportionate to the situation.
  • Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding social situations, school, or activities they previously enjoyed due to fear or discomfort.
  • Changes in Behavior or Mood: Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased irritability, mood swings, or aggression that are not typical for the teen.
  • Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or fatigue.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares, leading to significant changes in sleep patterns.
  • Decline in Academic Performance: Noticeable drop in grades or school performance, possibly due to difficulty concentrating, excessive worrying about failure, or avoiding school altogether.
  • Withdrawal from Friends and Family: Spending more time alone, withdrawing from social interactions with friends and family members.
  • Changes in Eating Habits: Significant changes in appetite or eating patterns, which could include eating too much or too little.
  • Restlessness or Being Easily Startled: Appearing constantly on edge, jumpy, or experiencing an inability to relax.
  • Expressions of Hopelessness: Talking about feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or expressing negative thoughts about themselves or their future.

Encourage Open Communication

Encouraging open communication is pivotal in understanding and supporting a teen with anxiety.

Create a safe, non-judgmental space for your teen to express their feelings and concerns.

Start conversations about their day-to-day experiences, listen actively without rushing to solve their problems, and show genuine interest in what they say.

This approach fosters trust and makes them feel valued and understood. It’s essential to reassure them that it’s okay to feel anxious and that you’re there to support them through their struggles.

Open communication is a foundational step in helping teens feel less isolated with their anxiety and more willing to seek and accept help.

Show Understanding and Support

Showing understanding and support is vital in helping a teen navigate through anxiety. It involves validating their feelings, emphasizing that it’s okay to feel anxious, and reassuring them that they are not alone.

Demonstrating empathy means listening to their concerns without minimizing their feelings or immediately offering solutions. Instead, acknowledge the difficulty they’re going through and express confidence in their ability to overcome challenges.

Support can also mean encouraging them to engage in activities or hobbies that bring them joy and relaxation, counterbalancing their anxious feelings. This level of understanding and support can significantly impact a teen’s ability to cope with anxiety.

Educate Yourself About Anxiety

Educating yourself about anxiety is crucial in providing the right support for a teen.

Understanding the complexities of anxiety disorders, their symptoms, and how they affect teenagers specifically can empower you to offer more effective assistance.

Familiarize yourself with the various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, to better recognize the signs. Learning about effective coping strategies, treatments, and ways to manage anxiety can also equip you to guide your teen toward the help they need.

Being informed not only helps in supporting your teen but also demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.

Create a Stress-Free Home

Creating a stress-free home environment is an essential strategy in supporting a teen with anxiety.

A calm and predictable home atmosphere can provide a sense of security and stability for teens struggling with anxiety. This includes establishing routines that reduce stress, such as regular meal times, a quiet hour before bed, and designated family time.

Encourage practices that promote relaxation, like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, and make these activities accessible to your teen.

Minimizing stress at home also means being mindful of how family dynamics and conflicts are managed, ensuring that your home remains a safe and supportive space for your teen to express themselves and feel understood.

Discover How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can be a transformative tool for teens grappling with anxiety, offering them a safe space to explore their feelings, understand their triggers, and learn coping strategies.

Professional therapists specialize in adolescent mental health, providing personalized guidance and support.

Through techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), teens can learn to challenge and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their anxiety. Therapy also helps build self-esteem and improve communication skills, enabling teens to navigate their social and academic worlds more effectively.

For parents wondering how to help a teen with anxiety, encouraging them to participate in therapy can be a significant step towards healing and empowerment.

Connect with Peer and Parental Groups

Connecting with peer and parental support groups can offer invaluable resources for both teens with anxiety and their families.

These groups provide a sense of community and understanding, where individuals can share experiences, coping strategies, and support. For teens, meeting peers who face similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma associated with anxiety. Meanwhile, parental groups offer caregivers a platform to learn from others’ experiences, gain insights into effective support strategies, and access resources for managing their own stress.

Engaging in these supportive communities fosters a collaborative approach to managing teen anxiety, emphasizing the importance of collective support and understanding.

Encourage Healthy Habits: Exercise, Sleep, and Nutrition

Encouraging healthy habits plays a critical role in managing teen anxiety. Regular physical activity has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins, improving mood, and reducing stress.

Ensuring a teen gets adequate sleep is also crucial, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Parents can help by establishing a regular sleep schedule and relaxing bedtime routine. Additionally, a balanced diet rich in nutrients can impact a teen’s mood and energy levels, further supporting their mental health.

By promoting these healthy habits, parents can help their teens build resilience against anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

Explore the Benefits of Teen Anxiety Treatment

Exploring the benefits of teen anxiety treatment can open doors to comprehensive support and healing.

Professional treatment goes beyond temporary fixes, addressing the root causes of anxiety and providing tailored strategies for long-term management. This may include therapy, medication (if necessary), and lifestyle modifications.

Residential treatment effectively reduces adolescent anxiety, depression, and anxiety-related life interference, with greater reduction in anxiety for those with higher pre-treatment anxiety and comorbid anxiety disorders (Springer).

Treatment plans are designed to meet the unique needs of each teen, incorporating family involvement and education to ensure a supportive environment for recovery.

The goal of treatment is not only to alleviate symptoms but also to empower teens with the skills and confidence needed to face life’s challenges.

For families seeking how to help a teen with anxiety, understanding the benefits of specialized treatment can be a crucial step toward finding effective, lasting solutions.

Teen Anxiety at Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers

At Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers, we understand the challenges teens face with anxiety.

Our comprehensive approach includes individualized treatment plans, supportive therapies, and a nurturing environment. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping teens develop the skills needed to manage their anxiety effectively.

Let us guide your teen towards a brighter, more confident future. Contact us today for a free assessment.

Conclusion

Understanding how to help a teen with anxiety is the first step towards empowering them to manage their condition effectively.

Parents can provide invaluable support by recognizing the signs, encouraging open communication, and seeking professional treatment.

If your teen is struggling with anxiety, consider reaching out to Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers for specialized care. Together, we can make a difference in your teen’s life.

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