Anxiety in Teens
What is anxiety?
- Anxiety often occurs when a situation or a stressor becomes overwhelming or difficult to deal with.
- Anxiety can be related to a specific event or can be generalized across a number of stressors.
- Anxiety includes feelings, thoughts and/or physical symptoms.
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
Different people have different symptoms when they are feeling anxious. Here are some examples of anxiety symptoms that some people experience:
- Not being able to stop worrying
- Not being able to stop certain thoughts
- Feelings of nervousness
- Feelings of panic (heart racing, dizziness, shortness of breath, sweating)
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Butterflies in your stomach
- Stomachaches (including vomiting, diarrhea)
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems
- Changes in eating (eating more or less than normal)
When do I need help?
Get help when …
- You have concerns about your symptoms.
- Your symptoms are interfering with school or job.
- Your symptoms are interfering with your relationships (for example, with your significant other, friends or family).
Who do I get help from?
- You can ask your primary care physician or pediatrician for help.
- You can make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist.
What is the treatment?
There are a number of options for treating anxiety. These options include:
Individual therapy
- Discuss worried thoughts and physical symptoms.
- Learn relaxation skills.
- Learn coping skills.
Family therapy
- If your anxiety is related to something going on in your family, a therapist can meet with your family together.
Medication
- Your primary care physician or a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help reduce anxious feelings and physical symptoms of anxiety.
Online Resources
TeensHealth: All About Anxiety
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Facts for Families
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