Anxiety disorders often begin in the teen years as schoolwork becomes more difficult, responsibilities increase, and the pressure to fit in with peers intensifies. While many teens are able to deal with these multiple stressors, others will develop an inordinate amount of uncontrollable anxiety. For some teens, anxiety disorders appear without obvious stressors. Parents should be alert to the symptoms of teen anxiety so that professional help can be sought.
Fast Heart Rate
Anxiety and negative thoughts produces many physical symptoms, a fast heartbeat being one of the most common. Often, the adolescent is aware of her heart beating forcefully and fast, which increases her mental anxiety.
Rapid Breathing
The adolescent with anxiety often exhibits rapid breathing that is apparent to others. This type of breathing is usually shallow, but can become deep and gasping if the anxiety is severe. The teen may complain that he feels he is smothering. Teens who are attempting to hide feelings of anxiety may loudly, deeply exhale. Mindfulness practices can serve as a powerful tool in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm in the present moment without the help of mental health practitioners.
Fullness in Throat
The teen experiencing anxiety may complain of a feeling of fullness in the chest or throat. In a severe level of anxiety, this may manifest as a choking sensation.
Trembling Hands
Most people recognize trembling hands as a sign of anxiety. The anxiety level may also affect the legs. In severe anxiety, the teen may shake all over or have muscular twitches.
The condition can manifest in various physical symptoms, including trembling or shaking hands. When someone experiences anxiety, their body’s stress response is activated, leading to a release of stress hormones like adrenaline. These hormones can cause physical manifestations, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension, including trembling hands.
Lightheadedness
A teenage anxiety sufferer occasionally complains of lightheadedness. He may grab for something sturdy to hold on to, or avoid standing up until the sensation passes. He may feel as though he is about to pass out and appear quiet and pale.
If you know your teen suffers in this way think about how they are getting to college/school and back as public transport can make this worse. Can you pack them snacks or juice which will
Muscular Tension
The feeling of anxiety often causes muscular tension, especially throughout the shoulders, neck and back. An adolescent experiencing recurrent anxiety may describe having muscle aches or soreness that is unrelated to physical activities.
Sweating
Anxiety causes some teens to perspire, regardless of ambient temperature. If the anxiety is relative to a particular event, such as taking a test or giving a speech, the hands may become cold and clammy.
Excessive Tiredness
“Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing” explains that excessive tiredness may indicate long-standing anxiety. The adolescent may become easily fatigued, but have difficulty sleeping at night due to an inability to relax.
Upset Stomach
An anxious teen who is unaware she has an anxiety disorder may instead notice that she often has an upset stomach. Often, this is recurrent and may have developed during the elementary-school years. A feeling of nausea may limit the types of foods she eats. A teen who cannot eat breakfast or lunch during the school week, but does eat dinner, should be examined for possible anxiety.
Anxiety can be disruptive and prevent a person from doing all of her daily activities. If a person has an anxiety disorder, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), then she may undergo therapy and/or medication to help her cope with her symptoms. Even if a person does not have access to antianxiety medication or a therapist, coping strategies are available to reduce the amount of anxiety in your life.
Diet Changes
While a change in diet will not prevent an anxiety disorder, it can help raise the patient’s mood and give him energy. Certain foods can increase the amount of serotonin produced in the brain, a neurotransmitter linked to mood. These include foods that are rich in carbohydrates, like breads, or in tryptophan, like nuts, cheese, milk, bananas and soy. A person prone to anxiety should also avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can trigger anxiety attacks.
Relaxation Techniques
