How Therapy Can Help Strengthen and Improve Family Connections
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.”– Brené Brown
Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teenagers
Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness that happens when we think something bad might happen, whether the problem is real or just seems real. For children and teenagers, anxiety often means they think a situation is much scarier than it really is and doubt their own ability to handle it. This can create a pattern where feeling anxious leads to even more worry.
It’s important to know that anxiety is normal and can’t be completely avoided, it’s part of how our bodies try to keep us safe, a kind of built-in alarm system. Every child feels worried sometimes, and so does every teenager. If you remember your own childhood, you’ll know that these worries are a natural part of growing up.
Teenagers can get anxious about many things, like what their friends think of them, being rejected, changes in their bodies, concerns about the environment and the world, friendships, bullying, schoolwork, or sports. All of these can be reasons for anxiety, and it’s important for young people to realise that they’re not the only ones feeling this way.
How Frequent Are Anxiety and Challenges With Mental Health?
Recent studies show that anxiety in children is becoming more common. For example, research from the University of Pennsylvania found that rates of anxiety among children in developed countries went up from 11% in 2012 to 20.5% in 2021. In the UK, the NHS reported in 2021 that one in six children in England had a mental health difficulty. The Good Childhood Report in 2022 said that on average, five children in every classroom in England are likely to have had mental health problems.
Looking at the teenager population, the NHS found in 2022 that one in four teens aged 17 to 19 had a mental health difficulty, which was more than a one in six increase from 2021. In Ireland there are reports stating that by the age of 13, one in three children will have experienced some form of mental health difficulty. Anxiety is a common issue on the list of difficulties stated. These numbers show that anxiety and related issues affect many young people today (O’Kane, 2023, p. 36).
Supporting Children and Teenagers with Anxiety
It’s very common for children and teenagers to think they’re the only ones who feel anxious. This can make things feel even tougher for them. It helps to reassure them that feeling anxious is something lots of people experience, and that they are not alone. It becomes a problem when it is intense, persistent, and interferes with daily life.
Many parents find themselves supporting children and teenagers who are struggling with anxiety. For numerous young children and, naturally, for teenagers, anxiety is often a primary challenge. Parents want to guide and support their children through these formative years, and a key step in doing so is to develop an understanding of anxiety itself, including how it is linked to physiological responses in their children’s developing brains. Stress hormones and activation of the brain’s stress system (amygdala)can become more active and regulation of emotions can be difficult as the prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed. Anxiety can also cause whole body reactions such as:
· Faster Heart Rate
· Sweating
· Muscle Tension
By gaining a deeper understanding of anxiety and learning strategies for managing it, children, teenagers, and adults can all learn to coexist with anxiety and fearful thoughts. With the right tools, it is possible to live in a way that acknowledges anxiety without allowing it to become overwhelming or unmanageable.
Teenagers may be especially vulnerable to anxiety. Increased sensitivity during this life stage can result from various factors, including ongoing brain development and hormonal changes. It can be exacerbated by academic pressures, as well as social media and the influence of social expectations and peer pressure.
Parents can play a significant role in supporting their children through these challenges. Effective approaches include:
· Validating their children’s feelings, letting them know their emotions are real and understandable.
· Remaining calm when children express strong or “big” emotions, helping to model emotional regulation.
· Encouraging children to face, rather than avoid, the issues that are causing them distress, supporting gradual exposure where appropriate.
· Demonstrating healthy coping strategies in everyday life, so children can learn by example.
· Maintaining open and healthy communication within the family, creating a safe space for children to share their feelings.
· Seeking additional help when needed, recognising that professional guidance can be an important part of supporting a child’s mental health.
References
O’Kane, M. Dr. (2023). Anxious Children in an Anxious World – Facing Fears and Finding Brave. Mary O’Kane.