The teenage years are full of tumult and stress. The body and brain are developing at a tremendous and rapid rate, and teens feel overwhelmed as they try and navigate their environment. The feelings teens experience as they make their way through the world are often intense and make them feel vulnerable and alone. While these feelings are normal, some teens can’t seem to move past what they feel, and they can be prone to develop mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Anxiety and depression in teens are more common than you think. If you are a parent and feel your child is in the grips of either mental illness, now is the time to act. This article provides the information on teen anxiety and depression you need to get the help and support they need. If you need more information on teen depression and anxiety and what treatment options are available, call Thrive Teen Treatment toll-free right now.
As a parent, you may be surprised to learn that teen anxiety is common in the United States. Nearly one in three teenagers are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are also more prevalent in teen girls than teen boys. The sources of anxiety in teens are commonly experienced in young people:
The signs of teen anxiety are often not detected right away because anxious feelings and thoughts are a normal part of growing up. The most common signs of anxiety seen in young people are the following:
In addition to anxiety, many teens in the United States also struggle with depression. According to information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 4.1 million young people aged 12 to 17 had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Like those who struggle with anxiety, teen depression affects more females than males. The common symptoms of teen depression include the following:
When looking at the information provided in this article, your thoughts may turn to the possibility there is a relationship between depression and anxiety in teens. Unfortunately, the answer to the question is yes. In fact, anxiety and depression are common co-occurring mental disorders in young people. Some studies indicate that 25-50 percent of adolescents with depression have co-occurring anxiety disorders, and 10-15 percent of youths with anxiety also have depression. What is the relationship between teen anxiety and depression?
First and foremost, teen depression and anxiety share common symptoms, which include the following:
Genetics and family history can also explain the connection between teen anxiety and depression. Teens who develop mental disorders may have a higher degree of emotional sensitivity inherited or present in their parents and siblings. In many cases, teens can develop anxiety and depression as they get older and vice versa.
For example, teens who are anxious may withdraw from peers because they fear being seen as weird. After a while, they become depressed because they aren’t getting the social interaction they need to grow. Likewise, teens who are depressed have trouble concentrating and get low grades at school. As they fall farther behind and feel the pressure from teachers and their parents, they become anxious and want to do better in school. These feelings become overwhelming and can make their anxiety even worse over time.
If your teen is experiencing anxiety, depression, or may have a dual diagnosis, you must find professional treatment as soon as possible. If looking for Southern California teen treatment, Thrive Teen can help.
Thrive Teen provides teen mental health treatment in Santa Monica. Our experienced team of mental health professionals has years of proven experience dealing with teen depression and anxiety. Our evidence-based programs and services are individualized to meet your teen’s unique and specific needs. With the help and support of Thrive Teen Treatment, your teenager will get the tools and support needed to face and overcome their mental illness.
Call us toll-free today and help your son or daughter get on the path to lasting recovery.
