The teenage years are often fraught with anxiety. The new demands placed upon children entering puberty and the hormonal changes they will experience can...
The teenage years are often fraught with anxiety. The new demands placed upon children entering puberty and the hormonal changes they will experience can create a maelstrom of symptoms that can make adaptation to the adult world difficult.
While most teenagers are able to successfully transition from childhood to adolescence with minimal turbulence, others struggle greatly. It is not uncommon for those entering adolescence to experience clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the needs of these individuals is likewise different from those who don't struggle with these disorders.
Social anxiety disorder, in particular, has an average age of onset of roughly 13.
Given the desire to fit in with peer groups at this crucial juncture in an individual's life, it is no wonder that social anxiety disorder is so prevalent among teenagers.
It is, in some ways, a quintessential teenage mental health condition. But what separates normal teenage moodiness and social struggle from a clinically diagnosable social anxiety disorder?
How can you determine if your teenager needs extra mental health support?
These are some common symptoms of social anxiety disorder among teenagers. If your teenager struggles with any of these, it may be worth seeking additional help for them:
Asking if you can get rid of anxiety is like asking if you can get rid of all the clouds in the sky. It's an emotion that's always going to be there to a degree. The goal isn’t to eliminate it entirely but to learn how to manage it so it doesn’t control your life. We'll work together to help you build resilience, giving you the power to face stressful situations without being overwhelmed. You can live a full and vibrant life, even with anxiety, and we’re here to help you take control.
