Conquering Anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience for many adolescents and young adults, often triggered by school pressure, social challenges, or major life changes. Symptoms can include constant worry, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and physical signs like headaches or stomachaches. When anxiety takes over, individuals may struggle to connect with their peers and friends, they may withdraw in the classroom and become reluctant to even raise their hand, or they may suddenly avoid places and activities that previously brought them joy.

At Inner Balance Therapy, we help by providing a safe space for our clients to talk about their feelings and learn coping strategies. We empower our clients with techniques to manage anxiety including relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and problem-solving skills. Therapy helps our clients gain a better understanding of anxiety and take steps to manage it, leading to a greater sense of control and improved overall well-being.

There are several strategies parents can employ to support their adolescents who are struggling with anxiety:

• Establishing a safe and open environment for conversations about their feelings and prioritizing connection over immediate problem-solving can help teens feel understood.

• Rather than quickly attempting to "fix" the situation, parents should aim to understand their child’s specific anxiety triggers and recognize their typical physical and emotional symptoms.

• Aligning with their child's perspective fosters a stronger, more supportive connection. For ten simple tips, I recommend the Child Mind Institute’s article on the topic here.