When your teen is experiencing anxiety, it’s important that they know they’re not alone. Anxious feelings can make them feel isolated and misunderstood, but more than 16% of U.S. adolescents live with anxiety. We offer adolescent anxiety treatment to help teens understand it’s possible to manage their anxiety constructively.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and healthy emotion that everyone experiences in certain situations. It is the body’s natural response to stress or danger, also known as the “fight-or-flight” response. When faced with a threat, anxiety helps people react quickly and protect themselves.

Adolescence is a period of rapid change. This change is evidenced by the fact that about half of all mental health issues are established by the mid-teens—that rate increases to 75% by the mid-20s, according to one review. Juggling schoolwork, friendships, puberty, sports and clubs, and family ties (on top of forming their own identity) can cause your teen to feel like they’re under a lot of pressure. Pressure that, when they’re not able to effectively cope with it, can lead to anxiety.

Types of anxiety disorders

People with anxiety disorders may experience intense and persistent feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension that are difficult to control. These feelings can be triggered by specific situations or events, or they may occur without any identifiable cause.

Since there are so many different factors that influence anxiety, there are different diagnoses and approaches to treatment. Some of the more common types of anxiety include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Specific phobias

Other mental health conditions can also cause anxiety, like PTSD, OCD, and ADHD.

Signs and symptoms of teen anxiety

Anxiety, a psychological and physiological response to perceived threats, can stem from many sources, including complex trauma, genetics, and stressful life events. It serves as our body’s signal that there are unresolved or threatening internal dynamics that demand attention.

Teens may display anxiety differently than adults since they may not be truly aware of what’s happening. You might notice your teen:

• Complaining of physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches with no underlying medical causes
• Being more irritable than usual
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep
• Avoiding certain activities or situations that cause them distress
• Experiencing panic attacks, which are intense periods of fear and agitation
• Isolating or binging video games or screen time

Is it anxiety or teen angst?

You’ve probably noticed your teen struggle with at least one of the symptoms listed above. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re living with anxiety. If they have sleep issues—especially sleeping too much—issues with their mood, or a tendency to binge video games or social media, they might just be going through normal teen angst. Angst isn’t a diagnosis; it’s just a way to describe light anxiety with potentially some depression.

Many teens are angsty, which might result in them rolling their eyes at you or ignoring what you ask. They have a lot of responsibilities and are trying to carve out their own identity, and that spills over into other parts of their life. However, if you notice that your teen’s mood or stress gets in the way of their social life, how they perform at school or work, or even their ability to take care of themselves, they might be dealing with a mental health condition.

Our approach to adolescent anxiety treatment

At Family First, we take a comprehensive approach to teen anxiety treatment. After an initial assessment, we’ll work with you and your teen to create a plan that works for them and helps them achieve their goals.

• Individual therapy – Therapists use evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help your teen understand their anxiety’s root causes, develop coping strategies, and build resilience by challenging negative thought patterns.
• Group therapy – Your teen will connect with others facing similar challenges in a safe space for sharing and learning. These sessions reduce isolation and foster mutual support and understanding.
• Family therapy – Family therapy sessions improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships within the family. Involving the family ensures a supportive home environment for your teen’s recovery and well-being.
• Experiential therapies – We include holistic therapies such as exercise, equine, yoga, and art therapy. These practices help your teen manage stress, increase self-awareness, and promote emotional regulation by addressing the mind-body connection.
• Psychiatric support – For severe anxiety, psychiatric interventions, including medication, may be necessary. Our psychiatrists conduct thorough evaluations for appropriate treatment plans, with close monitoring for safety and well-being. We never prescribe or modify medication plans without parental understanding and approval.
• Customized treatment plans– Each adolescent receives personalized treatment plans based on thorough assessments. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures tailored therapeutic interventions to meet specific needs and goals.

We are committed to empowering teens to overcome anxiety and lead fulfilling lives. Through a blend of proven therapeutic techniques and compassionate care, we can make a positive, lasting difference in the lives of our clients and their families.

Get help at Family First in South Florida

There are two levels of mental health treatment available at Family First. Our boys-only residential program offers 24/7 support while teens stay in our secure, comfortable accommodations in Palm Beach Gardens. Girls and boys can both get treatment in our Pinnacle Day Program, which allows them to return home after therapy each day.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and guidance if your teen is struggling with anxiety. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help and start on a path toward improved mental health. So, don’t wait any longer. Call 888.904.5947 or connect with us online today to find the help your teen needs.