As a parent, it can be challenging to know when to intervene and when to give your teen some space. But when it comes to your child’s mental health issues like anxiety disorder, it is always better to err on the side of caution. One of the best things you can do is seek help from experts at the Washington Center for Women’s and Children’s Wellness (WCWCW), as they can use the best treatment approach for your child. If you are concerned that your teen may be struggling with anxiety, you need to know the signs you should not overlook. Read on to learn more about some signs to look out for.
Struggling in school
If your teen’s progress reports show that their academic performance is waning, there is a possibility that they are struggling with anxiety. An anxious adolescent may start having trouble concentrating or completing assignments. They might even skip classes, so they miss much of what the other students cover in class. The impact is that your teen will start receiving lower grades than they usually do.
Avoiding friends and social gatherings
Teenagers suffering from anxiety will start to avoid their friends and social gatherings. If your teen used to be outgoing and enjoyed attending parties or other events, but now they always have an excuse for why they can’t go, it could be a sign that something is wrong. Remember that it is normal for teens to want some time alone. However, it is not normal for them to completely isolate themselves. You should be concerned if your teen starts making up excuses to stay home from school or activities they used to enjoy.
Changing sleep patterns
An average teenager should get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep every night. If your teen is anxious, they may start to experience changes in their sleep patterns, making them sleep for only a few hours. They might have difficulty falling and staying asleep. As a result, they may suffer from fatigue during the day. You should pay attention to your teen’s sleeping habits and look out for warning signs like daytime sleepiness and going to bed late.
Poor eating habits
It is common for teens who have an anxiety disorder to have poor eating habits. In this case, your teen may over eat or under eat if they are experiencing anxiety. As a result, their weight may change significantly. If you notice that your teen has lost or gained a lot of weight in a short period, it could be a sign that they are struggling with anxiety.
Complaining of physical symptoms
If your teen is anxious, they may start to complain of physical symptoms. These include headaches or stomach aches, even when there is no medical reason for these complaints. This is because anxiety can manifest itself in physical ways. Your teen might also have panic attack symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, and throat tightness. In some cases, the physical symptoms may be so severe that the teen has to miss school or other activities.
Let a specialist help your teen overcome anxiety disorders
If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it is important to talk to them about what they are going through. It is also a good idea to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide the treatment they need. Request an online appointment with WCWCW today to improve your teen’s mental health.
