PARENTS, PLEASE TAKE NOTE

Anxiety in Teens is Rising: What's Going On?

By: Claire McCarthy, MD, FAAP

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According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder. These numbers have been rising steadily; between 2007 and 2012, anxiety disorders in children and teens went up 20%.

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These stats combined with the rate of hospital admissions for suicidal teenagers also doubling over the past decade leaves us with many concerning questions.

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What's causing the rise in teenagers with severe anxiety? How did we get here?

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What's going on? While we don't know for sure, there are several factors that could be contributing. In addition to genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events, take the following into consideration:

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High expectations and pressure to succeed. Between standardized testing and a culture of achievement, today's youth can feel pressure to succeed in ways previous generations did not. A survey done every year by Higher Education Research asks incoming college freshmen if they feel overwhelmed by all they must do. In 2016, 41% of students said "yes" compared with 28% in 2000 and 18% in 1985.

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A world that feels scary and threatening. We've seen an increase in school shootings, with resultant drills and lockdowns in schools. We've seen shootings in public places. There have been terrorist attacks here in the US and around the world taking many lives. From just watching or reading the news, it is reasonable for anyone to feel afraid in public spaces that previously would have felt safe.

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Social media. Today's children and teens are constantly connected to social media. It's not surprising that their self-esteem―and worldview ―become connected to responses to social media posts. It's hard for them not to compare their life and social connections to what they see others posting on social media.

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There are also some children who have unexpected and disproportionate reactions to normal developmental experiences like going to school, going to a party, doing a sleepover or going to camp; children who worry excessively about everyday life activities. This often starts in the years right before puberty.

Whatever the cause, this rise in anxiety is a real problem for our youth.

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Chronic anxiety can lead to serious mental health problems―depression, substance use, and even suicide. It can interfere with the ability to focus and learn causing school problems that can have a lifelong impact. It can also lead to physical problems, such as headaches, chronic pain, digestive problems, and later heart disease.

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Anxiety disorders cut across all demographics―suburban, urban, and rural. They affect those who are college-bound and those who are not.

So, what can parents, teachers, and anyone else who interacts with children and teens do?

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Be aware of the signs of anxiety. Sometimes children may say that they are anxious, but other times it is less clear―especially as they may not even realize it themselves. Signs can include:

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Recurring fears and worries about routine parts of everyday life

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Changes in behavior, such as irritability

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Avoiding activities, school, or social interactions

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Dropping grades or school avoidance

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Trouble sleeping or concentrating

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Substance use or other risky behaviors

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Chronic physical complaints, such as fatigue, headaches, or stomachaches.

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Talk with kids about potential stressors. Try to see the world the way they do—and help them to keep perspective and find ways to cope.

Be mindful of the expectations you set for children and teens. High expectations can help children reach their potential, but they need to be real ones. Not only that, remember that kids need time to relax, play, and be with friends—all of which are crucial for their mental and physical health. And it's important for all of us to remember that there is more to life than achievement.

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Talk with kids about their social media use. Help them take breaks—and help them think critically and rationally about the effect of social media on their lives.

The world is a challenging place. As parents (or anyone else who interacts with young people), you have a very important role in helping children take on new challenges, build coping strategies, and learn the resiliency skills they need to adapt in the face of adversity.

If you are noticing signs of anxiety in your child or are worried that something you are seeing could be related to anxiety, talk with your pediatrician.

(Part two is on its way)

 

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