Seeing that anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the US, you probably know someone that is or could be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, whether you know it or not. A lot of people never seek out help for anxiety because they aren’t sure how to or if they even should.
Research has shown that greater than 1 in 4 teens will deal with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Despite this, many teens fly under the radar, never getting treated for their disorder.
Studies show that around 80 percent of children with a diagnosable anxiety disorder will never receive treatment–that’s an insanely high amount. As parents, it’s our job to know how to deal with challenges that arise for our children.
How to support your child with anxiety
If your daughter has recently been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, this is probably a confusing and difficult time for your family. As an adult, you’re familiar with controlling and dealing with regular stress, but anxiety is much different.
Even if your daughter is in therapy, there’s still much you can do as a parent to provide help for anxiety.
Withhold Judgement.
Anxiety often causes an individual to self-criticize to a destructive amount–you don’t need to add to that destruction. Instead, try to combat it with support and love. For example, let’s say your daughter has a very difficult time talking on the phone.
While that may seem like something trivial to you, to her it’s a big deal. Instead of making a comment about how easy phone calls are, instead recognize her fear. Make sure she knows that you understand that she’s afraid and be sure to praise her for what she is good at.
Encourage Journaling.
If she has a therapist, this may already be a reality, but if it’s not you should suggest it. Writing down our thoughts and feelings helps us work through them. Acknowledging thoughts or situations that make her anxious helps her get to the root of why that is and how to deal with it productively.
It’s good to remember that journaling isn’t the right fit for everyone, though, so if it seems to not being doing anything, it’s important not to force it.
Make Your Support Known.
You may think this is obvious and doesn’t need to be said, but you’d be surprised by the amount of teens that are afraid to speak to their parents about their struggles. Make sure she knows that you’re always there to talk if she needs help.
Just by letting her know this, you’re not only opening up a dialogue, but you’re confirming a pillar of support for her.
If you truly believe your daughter is struggling with a mental health issue, it’s critical to reach out to a professional. There is help for anxiety disorders available, you just have to seek it out.
Solstice East offers help for anxiety in teen girls
Solstice East is a residential treatment center for girls, ages 14 to 18. We understand the specific needs of girls, which is why our program is centered solely on them. We offer our students help for anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, ADHD, and other emotional or behavioral problems.
We have a strong emphasis on family therapy, nutrition, physical fitness. We also offer a supportive staff, cutting-edge academics, addiction therapy, equine therapy, and psychiatric services. At Solstice, we help set the stage for the infusion of light into the previously darkened lives of the families we serve.
For more information about help for anxiety in teen girls at Solstice East, please contact us at 828-484-9946.