Counsellor's Corner: Anxiety and Stress in Teenagers

The dreaded word… ANXIETY! There is quite a bit of fear surrounding anxiety, especially for teenagers and the current time we are living in. But anxiety is a normal feeling that everyone experiences sometimes and there are ways to help manage and alleviate anxious feelings. Anxiety is the feeling of worry, apprehension or dread that something bad is going to happen or that you can’t cope with a situation. It’s also the physical reactions that go with the feeling, like ‘butterflies in the stomach’, tension, shakiness, nausea and sweatiness. Sometimes we have a reason for anxiety and sometimes we don’t know what triggers this emotion. For some, anxiety is a state that just occurs within certain situations and for others it can be a trait which means they a more likely to feel anxious more often. Anxiety is very common in the pre-teen and teenage years. Adolescence is a time of emotional, physical and social change, which is happening at the same time as the teenage brain is changing. Pre-teens and teenagers are seeking new experiences and more independence and it’s common to feel anxious about these changes, opportunities and challenges. Anxiety isn’t necessarily a bad emotion, although some see it this way. Anxiety is a way to help us survive, and it can keep us safe in certain situations or help us develop skills to manage difficult events. The feelings and physical reactions keep us alert and aware in these situations. Most teenagers can learn to manage their anxiety. It is important to try and support discussion around the anxieties.

Talking about what is going on for that teenager often reduces the anxiety and can lead to finding solutions for the problems or situations they may be facing. Discussion also allows the teenager to validate their feelings. Acknowledgment that their feelings are understandable and valid (even if they don’t seem it) helps them to build confidence in themselves to face the situation. When they feel like their feelings are  acknowledged with warmth and compassion, it helps them to develop self-compassion in challenging situations too. It is also important that they feel proud when they overcome that anxiety. Providing positive words, actions and acknowledgment after the situation has passed will lift their spirits and make them feel like they can take on that situation again, possibly without the anxious feelings. Of course, if anxieties are starting to impact the teenager’s day to day life in a negative way, there may be a requirement to seek professional help. Counsellors, psychologist and GP’s can help find pathways to support someone who is struggling with anxiety. Claire Jarrett School Counsellor