When you are a teenager, experiencing anxiety is par for the course. As we know, teenagers go through tremendous growth in their brains and bodies. When coupled with increased family responsibilities, academic expectations and peer pressure, young people often feel overwhelmed with life. While many teenagers are able to deal with the pressures of everyday life, there are some who struggle to cope with their anxiety. In some cases, teen anxiety can be bad enough to significantly affect their everyday lives.
This article will help you better learn what types of anxiety disorders affect teens. You will learn what an anxiety disorder is and how it is different from “just feeling anxious.” If your teen struggles with anxiety, embrace U is here to help. We feature evidence-based treatment for many types of anxiety disorders, and our experienced staff will give your teen the tools they need to control of their life. Call us today to learn more about our teen mental health clinic in Brentwood.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
An anxiety disorder occurs when someone experiences anxiety that does not dissipate over time. Over time, an individual’s anxiety grows worse and impacts their everyday life. For teens that experience any type of anxiety, they will avoid situations where it will make their condition worse. This includes family, their peers, school, and the extracurricular activities and hobbies they love.
It should not come as a surprise that teen anxiety is common in the United States. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that 31.9% of teenagers aged 13-18 have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. This data also shows that 8.3% of the same age group experienced severe anxiety. Additionally, teenage females experience anxiety at higher rates when compared to teenage males.
How is an Anxiety Disorder Different Than Standard Feelings of Anxiety?
In our discussion on what types of anxiety disorders affect teens, we must know the difference between actually experiencing an anxiety disorder and just feeling everyday anxiety. Standard feelings of anxiety are simply a normal response to stress in our everyday lives. When the source of stress subsides, everyday anxiety also subsides and we return to normal functions. For those who experience different anxiety disorders, the source of stress is generally not in their immediate environment. Feelings associated with an anxiety disorder grow over time and disrupt a person’s quality of life. Depending on the type of anxiety experienced, people can feel different levels of dread. Anxiety disorders generally center around a specific object, past event, or losing a loved one.
What are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders that Effects Teens?
It is important to note that different types of anxiety disorders affect teens. The following are the most common types of anxiety disorders that affects teens:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: one of the common types of anxiety disorders, GAD is marked by uncontrolled worry that has nonspecific roots. Teens will experience symptoms such as sleep difficulties and irritability.
- Social Phobia: another common type of anxiety disorder that affects teens is social phobia. This type of anxiety causes teens to withdraw from specific social situations. Teens with social phobias have a deep-seated fear of being humiliated or embarrassed
- Panic Disorder: panic disorder is characterized by a racing or pounding heartbeat, a choking feeling, and a fear of dying or impending doom, among other feelings. These attacks are recurrent, and those suffering from panic disorder fear when the next attack is coming.
How to Find Anxiety Treatment Programs for Teens
Teen anxiety requires professional help so they can regain their mental health. Your search needs to focus on rehab facilities that feature mental health programs specifically designed for the unique needs of young people. Most importantly, these programs must be evidence-based and administered by experienced staff with years of proven experience working with teenagers. Located in Brentwood, TN, embrace U is a top-tier teen anxiety treatment center.
We are a Brentwood IOP for teens, offering scheduling for participants’ therapy, including after-school hours. embrace U structured therapy, education and skills training, medication management if needed, and support from peers. We embrace inclusion and fully respect diversity. No matter the severity of your child’s anxiety, the licensed and experienced therapists of embrace U provide the tools and support needed for your teen to regain control of their health and happiness.
Call us today and help your child live their best life.