Recent research conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health shows that 38% of female teens and 26% of male teens suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. It also shows that the percentage of teens with anxiety has been rising steadily in past years. For most people, a bit of stress and anxiety is a part of our daily lives. But how much of a problem is the ever-increasing anxiety rate in teens?
In today’s society, many teens may feel pressured to get everything done and achieve success. Many teens also feel overwhelmed by the number of things going on in their lives and the things they have to get done. These can include schoolwork, social commitments, basic daily activities, and more. Unfortunately, many teens who experience anxiety symptoms have yet to be diagnosed or seek treatment.
It has been proven that anxiety can lead to or exacerbate several mental health problems, including depression. Anxiety can also impact the moods, feelings, and daily lives of those who suffer from it. Many teens with anxiety report experiencing mood swings, worrying about simple things/activities, and/or withdrawing more from social activities or friends. Anxiety can also make it more difficult for students to do well in school. School is a common stressor for anxiety for many reasons. It can act as a social stressor because teens often worry about fitting in or saying/doing the right thing in front of their peers. It can also be a stressor because some students may feel pressured to do well, and they may get overwhelmed and have difficulty finishing all of their schoolwork. As a result, some students with anxiety may experience a drop in their grades.
Anxiety has also been linked to several health issues, such as headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, heart issues, and depression. Anxiety can affect many aspects of a person’s life. It is not something to be ignored, especially not while anxiety is on the rise in teens today. If anxiety is left undiagnosed, teens may not get the treatment they need, and it can impact their lives. If you or someone you know has or may have anxiety, don’t be afraid to seek help. There will always be people to support you and help you get the treatment you deserve.
