As
a parent, it can be challenging to recognize social anxiety
symptoms
in your teen. Many of us may not even be sure exactly what social anxiety is
and how to respond to this medical condition. When exactly does someone cross
the threshold from anxiety (which we all experience at times) to a medical
diagnosis of social anxiety?
WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY?
According
to the Mayo Clinic, social anxiety is a chronic mental
health condition that can drastically impact someone’s life. While we all fear
anxious or nervous at times, those with social anxiety, also known as social
phobia, may find everyday interactions unbearable. Driven by fear,
embarrassment, and self-conscious behaviors, individuals with social anxiety
may try to avoid normal interactions with others. In many instances, this
isolation can lead to further anxiety and depression.
WHAT CAUSES SOCIAL ANXIETY IN
TEENS?
There is no single cause of social anxiety. Rather, there are a variety of risk factors that can make someone (especially a child or teen) more susceptible to developing social anxiety disorder. While additional research is still needed, some studies suggest that social anxiety could be genetic. Thus, if someone else in your family history has social anxiety, your teen’s risk for developing this condition could increase.
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Social
factors also play an important role. Naturally shy children or teens tend to
have a higher risk of social anxiety. Additionally, those who undergo intense,
prolonged bullying or experience a traumatic event (like the loss of a loved
one), also have a greater risk for social anxiety. Of course, no single risk
factor is a guarantee your teen will have this mental health condition, which
is why it’s so important to understand the signs and symptoms of social
anxiety.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL
ANXIETY
No
two cases of social anxiety are the exact same, which can make it difficult to
accurately identify this issue—especially in teens. Since individuals of this
age are known to be moody and withdrawn at times, this behavior might seem
normal. In many cases, this is true; however, it’s important to be able to
identify the signs of social anxiety in teens.
While
your teen usually won’t display all the common signs of social anxiety, here
are some of the most common symptoms:
· Overly anxious about being around
other people (especially meeting new people).
· Difficulty having conversations with
others.
· Feeling extremely uncomfortable and
self-conscious around others.
· Constant fear of being embarrassed.
· Difficulty making friends and
maintaining relationships.
· Fear of being judged by others.
· Overly harsh self-criticism
following interactions.
· Avoiding public places and social
settings.
· Rapid heartbeat, sweating, even
shaking during social situations.
TREATING SOCIAL ANXIETY IN TEENS
If
you believe your teen is experiencing social anxiety, this is not the end of
the world. In fact, social anxiety is a very treatable (and common) mental health
disorder for individuals of any age. According to Mental Health America (MHA), over 15 million adults in
the United States live with social anxiety disorder. As such a prevalent issue
for so many individuals, doctors and mental health experts have developed
various treatment options.
Here’s
a look at the most common treatment options for teens with social anxiety
disorder:
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT).
Cognitive behavioral therapy, sometimes referred to as
psychotherapy, is an effective treatment option for those with social anxiety.
These therapy sessions can be conducted one-on-one or in a group setting and
focus on developing healthy behaviors and strategies for living with their
condition. While the idea of social anxiety treatment in a group setting might
seem ironic, it can be beneficial for teens to learn from others who are also
experiencing social anxiety.
2. Medication.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help
teens manage their social anxiety symptoms. Anxiety medication targets the
brain’s emotional control center and helps these synapses function more
effectively. In some cases, a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral
therapy is most effective for treating teens with social anxiety.
3. Exposure therapy.
Exposure therapy allows your teen to face their fears and
anxieties in a safe and controlled environment. Over time, this can prove to be
a very effective treatment option.
4. Residential teen treatment
center.
Residential treatment centers offer a more comprehensive
approach to treatment. These in-patient facilities provide around-the-clock
care for their patients and are staffed by trained medical and mental health
professionals.
CONCLUSION – SIGNS OF SOCIAL
ANXIETY IN TEENS
Social
anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. While people of any
age can experience this issue, teens are especially susceptible as they are
already undergoing a period of social exploration and new experiences. Being a
teen is hard, but being a teen with social anxiety can make even the simplest
of interactions almost unbearable.
Social
anxiety can cause a teen to withdraw from social settings and make it harder
for them to make connections. This isolation can even develop into depression.
If you notice your teen expressing the common signs and symptoms of social
anxiety, it’s important to have an honest discussion with them.
If
you both agree it would be beneficial, consider moving forward with one of the
many effective treatment options. Whether choosing psychotherapy, medication,
or a residential treatment teen center, what’s most important is that you’re recognizing the issue
and taking action.
