The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as "an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure." Anxiety in adolescence is a well-covered topic in psychological research. Parents, teachers, friends and family can feel confident in approaching this mental health issue with an adolescent. Treatment depends on the level of the anxiety and just who is doing the treating. As an untrained, but concerned, person to an adolescent, you can help support her treatment.
Step 1
Become Informed. Safe treatment for anxiety is important. Perhaps the most unsafe treatment, aside from the misuse of pharmaceuticals, is no treatment at all. Know that anxiety is a normal and essential component to functioning. It is when it becomes so disruptive to daily living that treatment is recommended.
Step 2
Observe. Anxiety takes many forms, and people are "treating" it every day. Observe how you and others as well as the identified adolescent live with anxiety. Observe how they defend against or compensate for it. Some folks hide, others abuse alcohol and still others just seem to talk non-stop. Consider more peculiar behaviors such as pacing, checking, repeating actions or conversations or avoiding what is considered "normal" activity such as attending school, socializing or shopping. You may also look for trembling hands, shortness of breath and sweating.
Step 3
Communicate. Our greatest hurdle when addressing a loved one, especially a temperamental teen, is getting the conversation started. Whether we are afraid we will push them away, say the wrong thing or overreact, there are many reasons why it is easy to avoid this dialogue. But it is essential.
Talk about fears, worries and frustrations; share yours and ask about his/hers. Remember, effective communication means that you are listening to the adolescent, not just talking to or at her.
Step 4
Re-assess. Take a time out. Reflect on what you have learned, observed and heard. Do you have a better understanding of how this adolescent is experiencing anxiety? Is it outside of a healthy zone of anxiety? Discuss your concerns with others who interact with the adolescent such as teachers, peers, family and coaches.
Just as important, re-assess how confident you feel in treating the anxiety. If it seems troubling and disruptive to everyday activities, do not try to handle this on your own.
Step 5
Seek professional support. Safe treatment for anxiety means seeking the help from trained professionals who are experts in this topic. These experts could be a social worker, psychologist, school counselor, therapist, physician or a combination of professionals. If you feel uneasy about these encounters, express your concerns to these resources. Seek a second opinion if that would help.
Tips and Warnings
- Recommended treatment for anxiety is often psychotherapy, which could be group, family or individual counseling. Psychotherapy in conjunction with medication may also be suggested. Avoid treating with medication alone.
