Does your teen have SOCIAL Anxiety?
Does your child say they just don't like people? They want to stay in their room and watch YouTube and TikTok? Do you worry that they are only talking to friends online rather than engaging in physical social relationships? Maybe they make plans then back out at the last minute?
Teens today are often more used to interacting online, making friends all over the world. Are they avoiding social relationships due to social anxiety? Do they perhaps have underlying fears of being judged or lacking skills to communicate with others? Is it possible that social anxiety is the root cause of their lack of interactions rather than moodiness or laziness?
The National Institute of Mental Health reported in 2019 Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects 1 out of 3 adolescents between 13 and 18 years old. Adolescents at risk for SAD include those who have experienced long term stress or trauma. The effects of COVID could be one of these risk factors.
What to look for:
-Fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed by others
-Avoidance of social situations
-Excessive anxiety out of proportion to the situation
-Anxiety or distress that interferes with daily living
-Panic attacks in social situations.
How to help:
1. "Face your fears and they will go away" is not the first step. It is important to allow your child to work at his/her own pace.
2. Normalize and validate feelings. Try to avoid highlighting as a problem and continue to support by validating their feelings and discussing next steps.
3. Talk about the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Ask, "What negative belief about yourself are you thinking right now?" "What emotion are you feeling?"
4. Help your teen develop a positive belief statement about themselves.
5. Make small steps toward social interactions, offer opportunities for one-on-one peer interactions or small groups that perhaps have not had as much anxiety.
If you are concerned about your teen and would be interested in support through one of our Teen Groups, click below.
If you believe your teen needs immediate assistance please contact us:
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