Have you ever seen that girl in class with a sweater on when it is a 95-degree Texas day? Or the girl in the supermarket who can’t seem to catch her breath while looking at different cereal options? Perhaps you find the girl at the top of the class crying in the bathroom when she just got another A. It doesn’t seem to make sense to you, but to many teen girls, this is their life with anxiety.
According to Mental Health America, Texas ranks 46th out of the 51 states for mental illness in teens. Texas also ranks 51st in access to care for mental health treatment. That’s right, Texas is ranked last in terms of options for mental health care. Almost three-quarters of youth state they suffer from mental illness and did not receive treatment for their condition. The lack of treatment providers is a huge factor in why teens did not seek medical attention.
What is Anxiety?
Most teenagers will say they live with some anxiety. However, anxiety disorders take normal, everyday worries and spiral them into long-lasting feelings of fear, worry, or panic. There are many types of anxiety disorders but here are some of the most common:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, also known as GAD, is the long-term feeling of worry or dread. This is not the same anxiety that is caused by usual stressful life events. Ordinary things like a test at school can cause anxiety, but someone with GAD will have continued feelings of anxiety even afterwards. Some symptoms include:
- Headaches and body aches that are not explainable
- Problems with sleep habits
- Difficulties with concentration and uncontrollable feelings of worry
- Feeling irritable, restless, or on-edge
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder can be described as the fear of being watched or judged by others. The fear of social situations can vary in intensity from not being able to go to school to not being able to leave the house. Social anxiety in teens is very common. Symptoms can include:
- Self-consciousness or feelings of judgment from others
- Sweating, racing heart, or trembling
- Stomachaches or nausea
Difficulties with eye contact or tone of voice when speaking
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is just as it sounds, for those suffering from panic attacks, which are sudden onsets of fear or loss of control even when there is no danger. Symptoms include:
- Sweating or trembling
- Racing heartbeat
- Chest pains
Phobia-Related Disorders
Everyone has heard of the term arachnophobia, also known as the fear of spiders. A phobia is an intense fear of an object or situation. When the fear becomes irrational to the point that everyday life is affected, it is seen as a disorder. When some people encounter phobias, intense feelings of fear, dread, and anxiety spread throughout the body.
What Are Signs of Anxiety in Teen Girls?
Teen girls can be especially good at hiding their feelings from family and friends. Not everyone with anxiety will express themselves the same way, but here are some signs to watch for in your teenage daughter:
- Low self-esteem
- Changes in grades, mood, or behaviors
- Avoiding social interactions, especially with strangers
- Afraid to make mistakes or have failures
- Not having a lot of friends
Teens deal with anxiety every day. Your teenager will most likely have some observable signs of anxiety. They may be hard to recognize at first but can become more severe over time if left untreated.
Side Effects of Anxiety in Teen Girls
- Irritability, nervousness, or feelings of worry
- Restlessness or inability to sit still
- Muscle aches, headaches, or pains that are unexplainable
- Fatigue
- Sleep changes such as trouble falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep
- Sweating or hyperventilating
- Difficulties concentrating
Helping Teen Girls With Coping Skills to Manage Their Anxiety and Make Healthy Choices
Dealing with a teen mental illness can be scary, but the key is to remember you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 9.4% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with anxiety between the years 2016 and 2019. When it comes for teens to deal with anxiety treatment, there are many options to choose from.
Medication for Anxiety
While not every teenage girl will need medication, it has been effective in helping many who are living with anxiety. Some common types of medications used are anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, or beta-blockers.
The most common type of anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines. Benzos take effect quickly and are usually the first choice when combating panic attacks. However, it is possible to build a tolerance to these medications, and over time, higher doses will be needed. It is even possible to become dependent on benzodiazepines. As with any medication, it is important to follow a doctor’s recommendations.
While antidepressants usually treat depression, they are also used for anxiety. These medications work to improve how the brain uses certain chemicals associated with mood. One drawback is that it can take time to find the right medication that works for you. It also takes weeks or even months for a noticeable change to take place. Anyone taking these medications should always be monitored under doctor supervision as adverse side effects are possible.
Beta-blockers can alleviate physical symptoms related to anxiety. Although mainly used to treat high blood pressure, these medications can be used to help with rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.
Anxiety Therapy
One of the most effective styles of therapy for treating anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It works to change unhealthy thought processes to better cope with anxiety. The focus is to be less fearful of situations and hone in on the causes of anxiety for each individual.
Another form of therapy is dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Based on the principles of CBT, DBT strives for a more mindful approach of thinking. The goal is to accept situations and learn from experiences rather than to see them as a problem to be solved.
Where Did My Teen’s Anxiety Come From?
There are many causes of anxiety, and for most teenage girls, there is more than one. Life factors such as trauma are key components but genetics can play a role in predisposition to anxiety. Some common examples of trauma can include childhood experiences such as abuse or neglect, environmental or cultural changes such as moving to a new state or divorce, witnessing family members living with their own anxiety at an early age, or lacking an adult caregiver from an early age.
When trying to help a teen with anxiety, therapy is highly recommended to pinpoint where the anxiety started in the past and work to move forward.
Treatment for Anxiety at Roots Renewal Ranch
The focus here at Roots Renewal Ranch in Argyle, Texas is to cleanse, equip, empower, and renew. Teen anxiety treatment is not one size fits all and we embrace individuality. We provide a space away from the hustle and bustle of life in order for teenage girls to focus on themselves.
Each week during her stay, your teenager will receive:
- Therapy – individual therapy and group therapy sessions happen every week. Some therapies we use are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic therapy.
- Classroom – school is just as important to stay on task. Each day, your teenager will spend 2.5 hours with teachers in the classroom. Progress reports will be sent to parents and schools each week.
- Daily Structure – we follow the daily structure guidelines outlined by Dan Seigal in his book “Healthy Mind Platter.” The focus is to improve healing and productivity.
- Outdoor Activities – activity is important for teenage girls and we offer many different options. From volleyball and archery to animal care and camping, there is an activity for everyone.
- Spiritual Guidance – spirituality is one of our main focuses in treatment. We have many offerings including non-denominational.
Our goal at Roots Renewal Ranch is to teach teen girls effective coping skills and make healthy choices in their lives. Our approach is growth-based in all aspects as learning is the key to developing a sense of self. We strive to aid in managing their anxiety so they can become the strong, beautiful women they are destined to be.
Admitting your teenage daughter needs help can be difficult. At Roots Renewal Ranch, we are here every step of the way not just for the girls but for the family as well. If you are ready to learn more, give us a call at 888-399-0489.
FAQ’S
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is excessive feelings of fear, worry, or dread. These feelings manifest into both physical and mental symptoms that can spin out of control if left untreated.
What should you tell a teen girl struggling with anxiety?
The main points to share with a struggling teen girl are that she is not alone. There are options for her to get help. Also, remind her that she is enough.
What causes anxiety in teen girls?
For most teen girls, causes of anxiety include genetic predisposition, childhood trauma, negative environmental or cultural experiences, or witnessing adults or family members with anxiety.
