Anxiety Among Teens Is More Than Just Stress
If you have a teenage child or grandchild you need to know that anxiety among teens is snowballing in the U.S. today. One in three teenagers, 13 to 18, are expiring anxiety. Teenage girls struggle with anxiety more than do teen boys. Why the increase in anxiety among U.S. teens?
One, they struggle with high expectations and pressure to succeed. Between standardized testing and a culture of achievement, today's youth feel pressure to succeed in ways previous generations did not. A Pew Research report shows academic pressure is .the number one stressor for teens.
Two, today’s teenagers live in a world that feels scary and threatening. Think school shootings, drills and lockdowns in school buildings, and wars across the globe. Just watching or reading the news makes teenagers feel afraid in public spaces that previously would have felt safe. Many teens are into doomscrolling, endlessly looking through violent or negative news or stories.
Three, social media creates a comparison cycle that results in anxiety. Girls see posts showing a popular girl wearing cute clothes and assume, “I’ll never have clothes that nice.” Guys see a post of a friend given a new car for his 16th birthday, and say to themselves, “Some people have all the luck.”
Four, today’s teens are more digitally stimulated. Endless news updates on their cell phones give them more exposure to global crises. Constant scrolling on social media sites late at night prevent them from getting enough sleep. If a teen works a part-time job, he or she likely receives work emails after hours, giving that teenager no relief from job stress.
Five, today’s teenagers are more aware of anxiety and mental health issues, but they are not equipped to manage those concerns. Mental health awareness in America has grown, which is a good thing. But it also means more people are identifying with anxiety without knowing how to cope with it. This fact is especially true of teenagers.
Six, some teens are confused by identity exploration. Navigating questions of identity (gender, sexuality, race) in a world where these conversations are increasingly complex and public can cause significant anxiety for a teenager.
Family dynamics create anxiety and stress for countless teenagers. Family financial stress, divorce, or parental expectations can heighten anxiety in teens. How many teenage athletes become the altar-ego for a parent?
We adults can be a great help to anxiety-ridden teenagers. How?
First, encourage your teenager to set boundaries with technology and news. Suggest they turn off notifications for sites that create the most anxiety for them.
Second, be mindful of the expectations you are setting. High expectations can help teens reach their potential, but they need to be realistic ones. Remember that your teenager needs time to relax, play, and be with friends—all of which are crucial for his or her mental and physical health.
Third, recognize signs of anxiety in your teenage child or grandchild. Persistent worry about everyday situations, disrupted sleep patterns, frequent irritability or mood swings, and heightened sensitivity to criticism are examples.
Four, try to understand your anxious teen. Comments like, “You did have a rough day,” “I know that must have been painful for you,” “You weren’t expecting that, were you?” all show understanding rather than telling your teenager what to do.
Five, for all us, support, affirm, and show love to the teenagers you know. Teach them to rely on Philippians 4:6-7 when they feel anxious. Be tender toward the teens in your circle of relationships. Most of them are hurting.
