Have you have found your teenager becoming more elusive or apprehensive in social circumstances. It can be a symptom of social anxiety a prevalent issue faced by teenagers these days. For us at Bayside Mental Health and Wellness, understanding the obstacles posed by teens and social anxiety is part of our experience, and we want to provide some guidance to help you as a parent through this difficult time.
The Rise of Teens and Social Anxiety
In recent years, we have grown more accustomed to seeing that with increasing frequency, teens and social anxiety go hand in hand. Although the pressure of social media, academic expectations, and the continuing effects of the pandemic have created conditions where a large number of teenagers are affected by strong fear and discomfort in social situations, this increase in teens and social anxiety is a cause for concern since it badly affects the quality of life that one leads, his relationships, and future opportunities. This can result in many teens avoiding any form of social situation, drawing back into a shell where anxiety then escalates.
Social Anxiety and Your Teenager
If you think that your teenager may be afflicted with social anxiety, it will be very important that you bring the subject into the open. Do this in a tender, non-judgmental manner. Let your teenager know that you feel they are acting uncomfortably in certain situations and ask them if they would like to talk about it. Remember that with teens, social anxiety often goes hand in hand with feelings of shame or embarrassment; therefore, you would want to make sure that an environment for discussion is safe and supportive.
5 Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety in Teenagers
Recognizing the signs of social anxiety in teenagers allows the capability of early intervention. Some general signs and symptoms include:
- Avoidance of events and other situations where there are others
- High levels of self-concern regarding evaluation or judgments or embarrassment
- Physical symptoms: excessive perspiration, trembling, and nausea while in social situations
- Inability to initiate eye contact with others or to speak to others
- Extremely fearful of speaking or performing in public
If you notice these symptoms in your teenager, it may be time to seek professional intervention in their social anxiety.
Treatment for Teens and Social Anxiety
Fortunately, effective treatments do exist for teens and their social anxiety. At Bayside Mental Health and Wellness, we can provide options to help your teen overcome their social anxiety:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This helps adolescents recognize and alter pessimistic thinking and behaviors that come with social anxiety.
Exposure Therapy: The gradual exposure of teens to situations that they fear can help to build up confidence while, at the same time, decreasing anxiety over time.
Group Therapy: Sharing one’s experience with other adolescents who have social anxiety can provide support, facilitate corrective experiences, and allow the practice of social skills in a very accepting atmosphere.
Social anxiety symptoms in teens are sometimes medicated. Our fully licensed therapists work one-on-one with the teenager and family to develop an individualized treatment plan that identifies and addresses the specific needs and goals of the teen.
Supporting Teenagers with Social Anxiety at Bayside Mental Health and Wellness
Although it is scary to deal with teens and anxiety, it is completely possible to thrive with the right support and treatment. At Bayside Mental Health and Wellness, we are committed to helping teens and their families through the frustrating and intricate condition known as social anxiety. We are a friendly team of professionals who understand the unique challenges that teens and social anxiety provide, and we’re here to give you guidance and the necessary tools so that your teen can build confidence and conquer their fears. Allow your teen not to miss out on life because of social anxiety. Contact us today and take that first step toward a brighter, more socially confident future for your child.
If you or someone you know could benefit from stress management or our other services, we encourage you to take the first step toward healing. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate therapists. Together, we can journey towards enhanced mental wellness and overall fulfillment.
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