Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues, affecting nearly 264 million people worldwide. Today, the Internet is bristling with articles, blogs, and guides that offer anxiety tips for people who are dealing with this condition.
According to a recent post by Psychology Today, teens struggling with anxiety are often tormented by negative self-talk. As a result, they experience a lot of frustration and doubt which can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, and poor academic performance.
But the worst part is that many of us fail to offer the emotional support they so desperately need. Instead of lending an empathetic ear, we rush to provide solutions and advice.
Before you can even think about suggesting some anxiety tips, first you need to let them know that no matter what they’re going through, you will always be there to provide support.
3 Anxiety Tips to Help Your Teen Worry Less
1. Taking a break from social media
Social media has become a big part of our lives. We chat, comment, share, and post daily, without always considering the implications of our online behavior.
For teens struggling with anxiety, social media can be a source of disappointment and regret. Scrolling through other people’s ‘perfect’ lives can trigger negative self-talk, causing frustration and low self-esteem.
Look at how happy and adventurous others are. Why can’t I be that way!? There’s something wrong with me.
One easy way to silence the inner critical voice that ‘kills’ their self-esteem and fuels anxiety, is through regular digital breaks.
Logging off social media platforms for a couple of days gives you troubled teen the chance to experience life authentically. In other words, they get to see that nobody’s perfect and everybody’s going through ‘awkward’ moments.
2. Exercise
Physical activity is one of the cheapest and most accessible strategies to combat mental illness.
Whether we’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or depression, a regular exercise routine is an excellent way to relax and keep our bodies in tip-top shape.
For teens struggling with anxiety, taking up a sport can also be the perfect opportunity to socialize and get out of their comfort zone.
Half an hour of moderate-intensity exercise is enough to trigger the release of endorphins – natural mood enhancers. Furthermore, regular physical activity has a positive impact on the quality of sleep.
3. Seeking professional help
If anxiety threatens your teen’s emotional well-being, social life, and academic performance, perhaps it’s time to consult a mental health professional.
A licensed counselor or therapist can provide expert insights and recommend effective strategies for anxiety management and prevention.
Although some teens might be reluctant to see a shrink, it’s essential to have a serious conversation about the risks of letting anxiety go unchecked.
No anxiety tips are better than the ones provided by a certified healthcare professional with in-depth knowledge on mental health issues.
To learn more about anxiety, click here.
