Anxiety is a natural response of the body to danger, activating the sympathetic nervous system in stressful situations. Once the danger has passed, the parasympathetic system is activated to calm the body. Anxiety becomes problematic when it becomes a constant. To identify anxiety, it is crucial to observe how the body reacts to stress. Antonella Galli, psychologist of our clinic, gives us valuable recommendations to help our teenagers with anxiety.
How does anxiety manifest itself in adolescents?
- Anxiety in younger people can manifest as panic attacks, especially during stressful or bereavement situations, where they feel they will lose control without a specific threat. The pandemic exacerbated cases of social anxiety, especially in introverted adolescents, who even now may be afraid to interact with new people.
- There is a strong relationship between stress, anxiety and depression. If a young person shows high levels of anxiety, he or she may also be experiencing a depressive episode, especially if he or she has faced significant life changes recently.
Signs of anxiety in adolescents
Adolescents with anxiety may manifest a variety of physical and emotional symptoms. Among the most common symptoms are:
- Cardiac acceleration
- Muscle tension
- Sleep problems
- Shortness of breath
- Constant concerns
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Shortness of breath
Recommendations for parents to support their children in cases of anxiety:
- Stay calm. Don’t yell at or punish your child for his/her behaviors. This will help him/her feel safe to talk to you about his/her feelings.
- Praise sincerity. Validate his/her emotions, especially when he/she confesses his/her concerns.
- Don’t minimize their feelings. Understand that their experiences may be very different and challenging.
- Encourage communication. Talk openly about anxiety and share your personal experiences to generate empathy.
- Promote healthy habits. Encourage good nutrition, physical exercise and family activities.
- Seek professional help. If necessary, encourage your child to get treatment and follow up on his or her therapy.
Antonella Galli
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma
