They say that adolescence is a difficult age. And although in some cases it is a true statement, we must not ignore certain behaviors of adolescents that may indicate an anxiety disorder rather than a rebellious character. And it is that adolescents also have anxiety problems that are determined by that long transition between childhood and youth.
The fears of adolescents
The fears and worries of adolescents are not that different from those of adults. Adolescents are afraid of rejection, failure, the future, love, loneliness… but they undoubtedly have fewer resources to deal with their concerns. We cannot forget that they are still in the training period. And just like worry, anxiety symptoms in adolescents are also the same as in adults.
There is a greater concern in adolescents for social relationships. That is why social anxiety or social phobia is very frequent, the product of a need to fit in with the group, to be accepted, respected and, if possible, admired. Also, with their personalities still developing, teens are more sensitive to rejection, embarrassment, or ridicule.
If anxiety in adolescents differs from anxiety in adults in something, it is in that type of anxiety that is school phobia. In the case of school phobia, the adolescent feels an irrational fear of going to school, a fear that is accompanied by anticipatory anxiety and summarized anxiety with the academic and social consequences that this implies.
The risks of anxiety in adolescence
We always insist on the need to seek treatment at the first symptoms of anxiety. And in the case of adolescents more. Emotional balance is something that must be developed from childhood, educating children in environments that offer them security, affection, support and also autonomy. This way they will reach confident, respectful, optimistic adolescents with good self-esteem.
We understand that children do not come with an instruction manual under their arms, but many of the anxiety problems in adolescents are generated by growing up in a negative, hostile environment with little positive reinforcement. And we are always in time to seek professional help . Because an adolescent with untreated anxiety problems will become an adult with chronic emotional disorders.
We must also warn of the risk of suicide in these adolescents with anxiety disorders. So if for some time now your child is nervous, aggressive, distracted, apathetic and worried, try to talk to him. And in case you do not have access to it, do not hesitate to go to a professional.
