ANXIETY IN TEENAGERS
Anxiety can stop people from doing what they want or need to do. In adolescence possible indicators of anxiety may include not being able to do things peers can do or experiencing lots of distress in doing so. If you or someone you care about has trouble with the following, then this may be an indication that anxiety is a problem:
- Not feeling confident to order food from school canteen/fast food outlet
- Dreading school/TAFE/Uni presentations
- Difficulty talking to teachers or answering questions in class
- Worrying about school, the HSC, the future, friends, family
- Spending excessive time completing assignments (perfectionism)
- Putting off doing things (procrastination)
The teen years are also a time when mood disorders (e.g. depression) can occur. Typical signs might include
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Not enjoying regular activities as much
- Feeling sad, crying a lot
- Struggling to get things done
- Feeling that you are ‘no good’
- Changed sleep patterns including sleeping too much or too little.
Often it can be difficult to know if this is “normal teenage” behaviour or if there is a problem.
There could be many reasons for the above behaviours. Lesley would conduct a detailed assessment to determine the function and specific nature of the issues noted with the adolescent.
Having worked in a specialist Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic for over a decade Lesley will provide feedback and effective treatment options with a solid evidence base behind them.
Treatment will involve practical strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Treatment will not just involve talking it will involve learning and practising skills in session and at home. For an idea of what treatment might involve Lesley often uses the Chilled Anxiety Management Program, and Study without Stress both developed at Macquarie University.
Often it can be difficult to know if this is “normal teenage” behaviour or if there is a problem.
There could be many reasons for the above behaviours. Lesley would conduct a detailed assessment to determine the function and specific nature of the issues noted with the adolescent.
Having worked in a specialist Child and Adolescent Anxiety Clinic for over a decade Lesley will provide feedback and effective treatment options with a solid evidence base behind them.
Treatment will involve practical strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Treatment will not just involve talking it will involve learning and practising skills in session and at home. For an idea of what treatment might involve Lesley often uses the Chilled Anxiety Management Program, and Study without Stress both developed at Macquarie University.
Contact Lesley for an assessment or further information.
