Teen Anxiety; How to Help Them Cope
Teen anxiety is on the rise, and it’s affecting more young people than ever before. As a parent, therapist, or anyone involved in a teen's life, you might wonder what you can do to help. The challenge is finding a way to offer support without sounding too "parent-y" or too out of touch. Here are some ideas to help teens manage anxiety in a way that resonates with them—and doesn’t make them roll their eyes.
1. Normalize the Struggle
One of the first things to remember is that anxiety in teens is very common, and there’s no shame in talking about it. The goal is to help teens feel like they’re not alone. Start by creating a comfortable space for conversation. Avoid diving straight into solutions or overloading them with advice. Instead, offer validation like, “I know a lot of people feel this way, and it’s okay to talk about it.” This doesn’t minimize their feelings, but it shows empathy and opens the door for them to share.
2. Give Them a Voice
A big mistake is pushing your own coping methods onto them. Sure, you might think that journaling or deep breathing will work wonders, but teens need to feel like they have a say in how they cope. Ask them what they think might help. Maybe they don’t want to meditate but would rather take a walk or listen to music. The key here is to encourage them to find what helps them rather than telling them what will help. Giving them control over their coping strategies makes them more likely to actually use them.
3. Be Mindful of Their Triggers
Anxiety in teens can often be tied to specific situations or stressors. These triggers might be more obvious, like school tests, or more subtle, like family expectations or friendship drama. Instead of brushing these feelings off as exaggerated, take time to understand what's causing the stress. Encourage your teen to identify what’s causing them to feel overwhelmed and discuss potential solutions. Providing space to avoid and understand the triggers can create a sense of control and reduce feelings of helplessness.
4. Teach Them How to Label Their Emotions
It’s easy for anxiety to feel like a giant, undefined ball of stress. Often, teens can’t even pinpoint what’s bothering them. Help them gain clarity by teaching them how to break down their feelings. For instance, you can say, “Is it nervousness about an upcoming test or frustration about a situation with friends? Can we figure out what’s really going on?” Labeling emotions helps teens feel more in control of their mental state, and it’s a valuable tool they can use throughout their lives.
5. Check In—But Not Too Often
It’s important to check in with your teen but avoid hovering. Asking how they’re doing multiple times a day can add pressure and make them feel suffocated when they're already struggling with their emotions. Instead, offer periodic, open-ended questions like, “How’s everything going with school and friends? Is there anything you want to talk about?” Then, give them space to answer. It shows that you’re there for them without being too intrusive.
Conclusion
Helping teens cope with anxiety takes patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of their individual needs. The goal isn’t to have all the answers but to create a space where they feel heard and supported. To learn more about supporting your teen's anxiety, schedule an appointment with me! Together, we can discuss what's going on with your teen and how you can help them. Alternatively, if your teen is open to teen counseling, I can guide them through this period of their lives as well.
