Therapy in Chester and all of NJ
Does your teenager feel very anxious, worried or stressed out?
Does your teenager seem to worry more days than not?
Does your teen complain they can’t control their worried thoughts or feelings?
Is your teen experiencing restlessness, tired easily, trouble concentrating, racing thoughts, irritability, muscle tension, nausea, or trouble sleeping?
Does your teen’s worrying negatively impact their ability to function, at school, with friends, family, or in other important areas?
If you never experienced anxiety it might be difficult to understand how it feels. Sometimes parents might think that their child (especially their pre-teen or teenage child) is being overly dramatic or using these feelings as an excuse to get out of something. They might dismiss their teenager’s feelings and tell their son or daughter to just get over it. But, if you answered yes to any of these questions it is so important that your child’s thoughts and feelings are recognized, validated and treated promptly. Only a professional can tell you if your teenager’s feelings are nothing to be concerned about.
Any significant changes in your pre-teen/teen’s mood or behavior is a warning sign that that you need to address. If left untreated, anxiety can stop children/teens from doing homework, reaching out to friends, and family, and in severe cases can lead to panic attacks, social phobia and avoidance, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance use and abuse, depression and/or suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety is a normal emotion and at one time or another, all of us are likely to be “stressed out or worried”. In general, anxiety serves to motivate and protect an individual from harm or unpleasant consequences.
For many pre-teens/teens, however, constant bullying, social stressors or excessive anxiety disrupt their daily activities and quality of life. This can cause terrible emotional and physical symptoms. If you are struggling with symptoms of an anxiety disorder, it is not uncommon to feel alone and misunderstood. Not everyone understands that someone with an anxiety disorder cannot "just let things go". This makes the struggle with an anxiety disorder even harder, and may prevent someone from getting help.
If you think your pre-teen/teen might be struggling with an anxiety disorder, you're not alone. Worrisome thoughts aren’t always just passing worries. Sadly, they are becoming common, widespread mantras for young people across America. Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge that young people face today and it’s the top reason why children/teens seek mental health services.
Fortunately, anxiety disorders can be treated, generally with short-term Cognitive and Behavior Therapy. Help is just a phone call away for your pre-teen/teen to:
- Learn to avoid the triggers
- Understand responses to anxiety
- Utilize effective techniques in anxiety-inducing situations
- Practice strategies to manage physical symptoms
- Refocus thoughts
- Collaborate with Physician for additional pharmacology treatment if necessary*
I am your go to teen anxiety therapist! As an experienced Certified School Social Worker Specialist and private therapist, I have treated a countless number of young people with anxiety in a school setting as well as in my private practice. I can help relieve your pre-teen/teen from his or her anxiety. With my compassionate and empathetic style, I can give my young /clients the therapeutic tools and coping strategies needed to help them stop worrying and return to their normal level of effective functioning.
Teenage Anxiety… How Can Parents Help?
Before Lena began high school last year, everything was so new and scary to her; she worried about small things like where her classes were, if her teachers were nice, if she would be in class with her friends or if she would have to make new ones. As if these things weren't enough of a bother, now she worries over how the transition back into life post-quarantine would go, considering the social distancing and mask regulations that may or may not be enforced by her school, as well as the constant fear of wondering who has the virus and if she will get infected simply by going to her classes. She is also concerned about the racial injustice and protests going on across America, police reform etc.
It’s not too late to turn this around!
Call
Modern Family Counseling
And ask for an appointment this week with
Leslie Zindulka, LSW
Child/Teen Specialist
732-742-0329