Many teenagers experience some level of anxiety. They are dealing with changing social dynamics and physical attributes, and the entire world seems strange and charging straight at them. A natural anxiety medication for teenager can help curb some of the underlying worry and confusion, but teens often need more help, especially on the homefront.
As a parent, you can help your child cope with stress and anxiety by teaching them healthy habits and instilling appropriate and effective tools. Discover five strategies that can help your teenager cope with anxiety.
Table of Contents
1. Set a Healthy Routine Schedule
Life is often unpredictable, and the experiences from day to day can result in undue stress. One way to limit the surprises, or at the very least their impact, is to create a routine or schedule.
Schedules offer predictability and a sense of control. Don’t simply dictate a routine to your teenager. Give them a sense of ownership in their routine by discussing it openly.
2. Reduce Stress in the Household
ADHD symptoms in teens often worsen in stressful households. Also, anxiety levels increase in houses where children feel they need to walk on eggshells.
If you want to help your anxious teen, you need to find ways to relieve stress in the home. Your house should be a safe place, somewhere your child comes to unwind and relax.
If you find that your household is often filled with frustration and anger, find ways to deal healthily. For example, instead of getting into arguments over homework, have a discussion with your teen about how to schedule homework into their day. Also, sometimes, homework is not worth the argument; maybe your child needs to learn a lesson through failed assignments.
3. Listen More Than You Question
Parents often have trouble allowing their children to express their anxiety without offering a solution. Sometimes, your teen just needs to vent and express themselves. If you constantly interfere and they feel you aren’t listening, you may worsen the anxiety.
If you are unsure of how to respond to your child, ask for clarification. Maybe your teen wants advice. Simply ask, “what do you need from me?” The simple question works wonders.
4. Model Coping Skills
While anxiety medication over the counter is a good option for some teens, it is not for everyone. A pill or supplement may not be necessary if your child has mild, occasional anxiety. You can help your teen learn coping skills for mild attacks. One of the best coping strategies is structured breathing. You breathe in, hold your breath, and breathe out for a specific count. Controlled breathing helps take the brain out of fight or flight mode.
5. Normalize the Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal part of life, but your teen may feel isolated. While times are changing and more people are discussing mental health, it is still not a central topic of conversation in most households. You can help by talking about times you experienced anxiety. Hearing your stories will help your teen feel less alone.
Many teens deal with anxiety. As a parent, your job is to teach coping skills and normalize the emotional state, but you may feel overwhelmed. Contact a medical professional to learn more about the condition and available treatment tools and therapies.
