Why do teenagers feel anxious

There are many potential reasons why teenagers may experience feelings of anxiety. It’s important to note that everyone experiences anxiety differently and for a variety of reasons.

Here are some possible factors that could contribute:

• Hormonal changes: During adolescence, teenagers experience significant hormonal changes which can affect their mood, emotions, and behaviour.

• Peer pressure: Teenagers often try to fit in with their peers and may feel anxious about being accepted or rejected by their social group.

• Academic pressure: With schools becoming more competitive, many teenagers feel anxious about their academic performance and the pressure to succeed.
• Family problems: Family conflicts, such as divorce, financial stress, or losing a loved one, can be a significant source of anxiety for teenagers.
• Social media: Social media can be a double-edged sword for teenagers. While it can help them connect with friends, it can also increase feelings of social comparison and anxiety.
• Uncertainty about the future: Teenagers are often unsure about their future goals and aspirations, which can create a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about what lies ahead.
• Trauma: Traumatic events, such as abuse or neglect, can have a lasting impact on a teenager’s mental health and lead to feelings of anxiety.

Brain

The brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus. This influence is very important for the experience of anxiety in teenagers.

• The prefrontal cortex still develops during adolescence and is responsible for decision-making and impulse control. This means that teenagers may have difficulty regulating their emotions and impulsive behaviour, which can contribute to anxiety.
• The amygdala is also undergoing significant changes during adolescence, which is involved in processing emotions. This can make teenagers more sensitive to stress and more prone to feelings of anxiety.
• Finally, the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation and recall, also develops during adolescence. This can make it difficult for teenagers to accurately recall past events, contributing to anxiety and uncertainty.

Overall, the changes that occur in the brain during adolescence can make teenagers more susceptible to anxiety. 

However, it’s important to remember that everyone experiences anxiety differently and that many factors can contribute to anxiety during this period.

Why does an anxious teenager act rudely

When people experience anxiety, it can manifest in a variety of ways, including irritability, restlessness, and even anger. An anxious teenager may feel overwhelmed, stressed, or out of control, and this can cause them to lash out or act rudely towards others.

Rudeness is not an excuse 

It’s important to remember that rudeness is not an excuse for unacceptable behaviour and to address any problematic behaviour calmly and constructively. You need to understand the root causes of the rudeness, such as anxiety or stress, and work on addressing these underlying issues.

Suppose you are the parent or guardian of an anxious teenager who is acting rudely. In that case, it may be helpful to talk to them about their feelings and try to identify what triggers their anxiety. This can help both of you come up with strategies for managing their anxiety in a more positive and constructive way. 

Put it this way – it looks easy – but in reality, it is not.

Teenagers don’t want to talk to us, parents.

They try to show that they are adults and want to do it independently.

It can be difficult to get teenagers to open up and talk about their feelings, particularly when they are trying to assert their independence. However, there are some strategies that parents can use to encourage communication and build a stronger relationship with their teenagers:

1. Be present: Make time to spend with your teenager, whether it’s over a meal or during a shared activity. Being physically present can help create opportunities for conversation.
2. Listen actively: When your teenager does open up, try to listen actively and without judgment. Ask questions to show that you are interested and engaged, and avoid offering unsolicited advice or criticism.
3. Validate their feelings: Their feelings are real – don’t downplay them. Let your teenager know that their feelings are valid and important, even if you don’t necessarily agree with their perspective.
4. Respect their autonomy: While it’s important to stay involved in your teenager’s life, it’s also important to respect their independence and give them space to make their own decisions.
5. Seek outside help: If your teenager is particularly resistant to talking with you, it may be helpful to seek the help of a family therapist or other mental health professional. They can help facilitate communication and provide additional support and guidance.

Remember that building a solid relationship with your teen takes time and effort, and being patient and persistent in connecting with them is essential.

I succeed. I restored my relationship with my teenager, and I restored the positive atmosphere in my family. You would be wrong if you thought I was only looking for peace. It was important to me to show my daughter how to deal with anxiety. Eventually, I turned anxiety into confidence.

By helping them in this period of life to deal with the things that are worrying them, you are actually showing them how to deal with it when they are independent.

My book “Dealing with Teen Anxiety” is a short read that will give you the basics. I’ve written the steps in detail – from how to understand their anxiety to how to connect with your teenager, how to help them, and finally, how to move on. If you have questions, suggestions or opinions – please contact me.