By: Elliot Shull
Anxiety is very problematic in todays world, it affects everyone you see! That guy on the train shifting his weight, he has anxiety! He could be concerned about a presentation he has or asking his boss for a raise. Anxiety comes in many forms for different people and can be for different things, but normally it is a feeling of fear, dread, or uneasiness. Anxiety differs from teenager to teenager but it normally includes feeling restless or nervous on a constant basis. Teens with anxiety are normally concerned with how they look and social status in school. Students with anxiety may sweat, have trouble breathing, tremble, and be startles easily.
Now why is this such a problem? They can push through and soldier on right? No, not right,. You see the problem with anxiety is that it affects how teens think and act. It gives them depression and can give them long lasting anxiety. This is no few students either, In 2016, more that half of college students reported having “overwhelming anxiety.” It has been the top concern among college students seeking mental help.
Kathy Reamy, a school counselor, had this to say “Honestly, I’ve had more students this year hospitalized for anxiety, depression, and other mental-health issues than ever, there’s just so much going on in this day and age, the pressures to fit in, the pressure to achieve, the pressure of social media. And then you couple that with the fact that kids can’t even feel safe in their schools—they worry genuinely about getting shot—and it all makes it so much harder to be a teenager.” It plainly shows the concern that Kathy has for the students that she knows need empowerment, but how to help them resolve this restriction?
To help students is the next big step, tell your kids that you’re confident they can handle their anxiety. A teen might be feeling anxious about passing an test. tell them you’re sure they’ll do their best and encourage them to try their hardest. Get professional help from a psychiatrist if needed to help your child really progress. Though to really help your child you need to spend time making sure they are okay, motivating them, reassuring them, talking them through their anxiety's, and being there for them. They are not going to be able to beat it by themselves.
