It’s important to talk to your teen about anxiety and how to handle it, because everyone reacts differently to its effects. Some may have a hard time being in public places, while others may worry about something that hasn’t happened yet. Talk to your child about how some worry and anxiety is normal, and how to train their brain to navigate the anxious thoughts when they come. It’s also important to talk to them about avoiding drugs and alcohol, which can make anxiety worse.
Here are some of the best tips on how to do so.
Encourage talk
Some parents fear that talking about their child’s anxieties will make them worse. It’s almost always better to engage in helpful conversation about their fears, so ask your teen to talk about what worries them the most. The important thing here is not to judge; no matter what their concerns are, let your teen know that it’s okay to have worries sometimes and talk about your own fears, especially ones you might have had when you were their age.
If your teen doesn’t feel comfortable having a conversation about it, encourage him to write down what makes her the most anxious. Keeping a journal is a great way to navigate anxiety and may help your child understand what she’s feeling.
Comfort your child
Sometimes, when trying to understand another person’s fears, it’s hard to comprehend or sympathize with. But no matter how you view your child’s worries, it’s important to let her know that you love her and that everything will be okay. Let her know that no matter how strongly she may feel sometimes, the anxiety will pass.
Do some research
If your child is battling anxiety, she may also be facing some physical effects and not even realize they are tied to her feelings. Some forms of anxiety can cause an individual to break out into a cold sweat, feel nauseous, or become jittery, and these can be mistaken for a physical ailment. If your child reports feeling these symptoms, it might be a good idea to set up a doctor’s appointment just to set both your minds at ease.
Learn about mindfulness
It may be helpful for your child to learn mindfulness, which can be achieved through a variety of activities including meditation, yoga, or art therapy. These things can all reduce stress and can help your child learn methods of positive thinking, which can help her circumvent anxious thoughts when they rear their ugly heads.
Sunflower at The Meadows
Sunflower at The Meadows in Wickenburg, Arizona, is an inpatient program designed specifically for teen girls who are struggling with eating disorders and co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. In a safe and nurturing environment, we provide individualized treatment to a small and intimate group of young women, helping them to change their self-destructive behaviors, heal their emotional trauma, improve their self-esteem, and build better relationships with family and friends. To learn more call 866-390-1500 or visit Sunflower.