Most people think of the younger generation as a future filled with possibilities, health, energy, and unlimited potential. Unfortunately, life isn’t smooth sailing for every teenager. As many as 20% of teenagers between 12 and 18 years old suffer from at least one of these conditions. one mental health disorder.
For the purposes of this post, we’ll turn our attention to social anxiety disorderAccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, 9.1 percent of people between 13 and 18 years old are affected by SAD. 1.3 percent of them develop severe conditions.
Continue reading to learn about the causes of social anxiety in teens and the symptoms that could indicate that your teen is suffering from SAD. Also, how online therapy can help teens overcome their anxiety and live happier, healthier lives.
What causes social anxiety in teens?
Teenagers may experience social anxiety for many reasons. In this section, we’ll examine five of the more common ones.
Mental health conditions can often be influenced by Hereditary factors. If you’re a teen whose parents or relatives have suffered from social anxiety at one point or another, there’s a higher chance that you will develop SAD. Similarly, if you’re a parent who’s dealt with social anxiety or has family members who have, your teenager might be more susceptible to SAD.
Most of us grew up in a world where social media platforms didn’t even exist. On the other hand, teens today have grown up in a world that is dominated by social media. Social media can be a great way to connect with people all over the globe, but it can also cause divisions. In fact, research suggests that teens getting fewer “likes” on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat Anxiety can be a problem.
Bad or embarrassing experiences
Teenagers who are bullied, rejected by someone they ask out, or experience an embarrassing situation — like not being able to do pull-ups in gym class or doing poorly on an exam and getting made fun of — might develop social anxiety.
When teenagers aren’t comfortable with themselves, they are more likely to develop social anxiety. For example, an individual might not be fully confident in their appearance; maybe they think they should lose weight, maybe they aren’t comfortable with their own looks, or maybe they have a physical condition that gives them anxiety (e.g., a birthmark on their face or a teenager who’s already going bald).
Teenagers may be more susceptible to this. Social anxiety can be a problemDue to their inherent personality traits. Introverts who are shy might be nervous about giving a speech or going to a social event.
Now that you have a better idea of the reasons teens might develop social anxiety disorder, let’s turn our attention to some telltale signs that could indicate the teenager in your life is indeed suffering from the condition.
How to Recognize Teens With Social Anxiety
Recognize that a teenager is a part of your life Dealing with social anxietyIt is important to pay attention and be aware of what to look out for. In this section, we’ll examine some of the signs that might indicate a teen is experiencing SAD across three distinct categories.
Because it makes them feel hopelessTeens who are suffering from social anxiety tends to withdraw. They’re quiet, they keep to themselves, and they’re generally isolated from everyone else. They lack confidence and lack eye contact.
School and work
If your teen’s school grades have taken a turn for the worse, they don’t actively participate in class, and they don’t get involved with any extra-curricular activities, they might be experiencing social anxiety. SAD can also be experienced by teens who have had a steady job that requires them to interact with people frequently (e.g., a barista in a coffee shop).
Are there many friends for the teenager? Are they eager to go to parties or social events? Does the teen communicate confidently, make eye contact, and share information about himself (e.g., what their hobbies are and what makes them tick). The less social a teen is, the more likely it is that they’re experiencing social anxiety disorder.
The good news is that — while social anxiety can seem crippling in the moment — all hope is not lost. Online therapy can help teens begin the healing process, improve social skills, and lead more fulfilling lives.
Online Therapy for Teens with Social Anxiety
Since people who experience social anxiety don’t like social situations, it follows that 36 percent of Americans who suffer from SAD At least 10 years.Before seeking help. While that might be understandable, it’s certainly not the healthiest approach to dealing with SAD.
Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Online therapy sessions are now easier than ever. The practice of engaging in therapy with others has become more popular since the pandemic. Online sessions for therapists has become increasingly mainstream — which means more and more therapists are comfortable working with clients remotely.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the most popular treatments for social anxiety, is also a common option. A recent study found that teens who suffer from social anxiety can access CBT therapy sessions online. Reduce anxiety, stress, depression.
The study found that teens who took part in the study had less brain activity in the amygdala. This is a part of the brain that is associated with memory, emotion regulation, and decision-making. They also had lower brain activity in the amygdala. This is an area of the brain associated with memory, emotion regulation and decision-making. Social anxiety symptoms are less common.
If you’re a teenager who’s dealing with social anxiety — or you’re the parent or guardian of a teen who you suspect might be — booking an online session with a qualified therapist can be a game-changing decision. With a talented therapist and a teen who’s committed to overcoming social anxiety working together, anything is possible.
When you’re ready to begin the healing process, start searching for a mental health professional who specializes in working with teenagers today. You can filter your results by Teens and Children therapists after you search in your area. You can even add the Common Specialties>All other issues>Social Anxiety/Phobia filter to further focus your Search for a therapist.
Here’s to overcoming social anxiety and living your best life — or helping your teen live theirs!
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