Overthinking to Overcoming: How Teen Anxiety Treatment Helps You Thrive

Overthinking is a common issue among teens and adults; you can go on extensive thought trains that seemingly never end. It can lead to dark places that cause low self-esteem and eventually may be the cause of developing anxiety or depression. Overthinking can also be a side effect of anxiety, worsening your mental health issues.

What is Anxiety? 

Anxiety is characterized as an emotion based on the feeling of incoming danger, catastrophe, or misfortune, which results in physical symptoms such as racing heart, muscle tension, and rapid breathing [1].

Anxiety is common among teenagers, as 31.9% of adolescents between the age of 13-18 are impacted by anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and more [2]. Anxious children may experience symptoms related to academic pressure, social situations, peer interactions, and general fears of the future.

Related: What is Anxiety?

Importance of Effective Mental Health Treatment for Teens 

Teenagers who live with untreated anxiety are at increased risk of engaging in substance abuse, missing out on social experiences, and performing poorly in school [2]. Adequate anxiety treatment can help teens prevent overthinking, negative outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.

Understanding the Root of Teen Anxiety 

Anxiety in teens can stem from a wide range of biological, psychological, and social factors.  

Biological Factors  

• Hormonal changes during adolescence: When adolescents experience puberty, significant changes happen in their bodies. During this period reproductive organs mature, and growth spurts often take place [3]. This brings a lot of confusion, big adjustments socially, and even at times feelings of shame over the changes.
• Brain development during teen years: During adolescence, teenagers undergo several anatomical changes in the brain. During this time, teenagers experience cognitive changes as they shift away from the concrete thinking of early childhood and develop an ability for abstract and complex thinking [5].  

Psychological and Social Factors  

• Academic and social pressures: Social pressures may also intensify feelings of anxiety as teenagers strive to meet peer expectations and navigate relationships [6].  
• Technology use and social media consumption: While social media can be used in healthy ways, researchers have discovered a link between social media use and negative mental health outcomes. One study concluded that teenagers who consume more than three hours of social media per day experience twice the risk of anxiety and depression [8].

Related: What Causes Mental Illness?

The Ripple Effects of Teen Anxiety 

The various psychological, social, and biological factors create a ripple effect that can lead to a wide range of anxiety symptoms.

Low Self-Esteem and Confidence  

While it can be difficult to decipher whether anxiety impacts self-esteem or low self-esteem increases anxiety, research indicates that teenagers with higher levels of anxiety are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem [9].  

Difficulty Concentrating and Poor Academic Performance  

Good academic performance requires fixed attention, but if you are struggling with anxiety, you may lack concentration. Researchers theorize that anxiety also impacts the increased likelihood of school absences and homework avoidance [10].  

Strained Relationships with Family and Peers  

Anxiety can often lead to strained relationships with family and friends due to communication difficulties, challenges in expressing emotions, fear of rejection, overthinking, distrust, social withdrawal, and isolating behaviors [11].  

Physical Symptoms like Headaches, Stomachaches, Sleep Problems  

Anxiety can negatively impact the body and lead to various physical ailments such as digestive or bowel problems, headaches and migraines, chronic pain and illness, sleep problems or insomnia, and heart health issues [12].

Related: Identifying the Signs of Anxiety in Teens – and When to Get Help 

The Link Between Anxiety and Other Teen Mental Health Struggles  

Anxiety itself is not the only mental health struggle teens face, it can co-occur with other mental health problems and disorders such as:

Anxiety and Depression 

Anxiety often begins in childhood and depression typically surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood. Anxiety and depression are highly correlated, with pathological anxiety in younger children being a precursor for depression later in life [13].  

Anxiety and Chronic Stress 

Anxiety and chronic stress are closely related. Researchers suggest that teens are more likely to experience anxiety while under chronic stress. At the same time, characteristics such as worry can aggravate anxiety symptoms and trigger a stress response [14].

Related: 7 Steps of Stress Management for Teens

Anxiety and Low Self-Worth 

Researchers have discovered a correlation between anxiety and self-esteem. Low self-esteem may predispose a teen to develop anxiety. At the same time, it is possible that low self-esteem may result from struggles with anxiety [9].  

What is the Best Teen Anxiety Treatment?

Teen intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are a great opportunity to receive anxiety treatment in a safe and therapeutic environment. Typically structured over three months, you will attend treatment at a facility three days a week for three hours each day. Throughout treatment, you will engage in weekly individual therapy and counseling sessions, family sessions, group therapy, and skills training groups.

Teen IOPs utilize various evidence-based modalities to treat anxiety including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), holistic therapies including mindfulness, and structured group therapies with peers and family or loved ones.  

Examining The Different Types of Therapy

Different types of therapy are available so teens can engage with multiple styles that best support their personalized treatment process.  

Individual Therapy 

Individual therapy takes place in a one-on-one setting. During this time, you may explore internal and external dynamics surrounding your anxiety, using therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). You will also learn new coping techniques and practice existing life skills with individualized attention from your therapist.  

Group Therapy  

In group therapy, you will have the opportunity to improve your social skills, feel less alone in your anxious feelings, and become more comfortable in social settings. You may also gain new perspectives as other teens share their experiences with anxiety. If you struggle with intense social anxiety, this is a great way to work through these challenges in a safe environment, monitored by a counselor or therapist.

Family Therapy  

Family therapy can provide extra support in your anxiety treatment journey. During this time, your family members will learn about your anxiety, become aware of maladaptive patterns impacting your mental health, and explore healthier ways of interacting and supporting you.

Related: Should I Engage With Parent Counseling If My Teenager Is In Treatment?

Holistic Treatment Methods 

Holistic modalities with a therapeutic approach have proven to be immensely effective in improving your mental health by bridging the connection between your mental and physical body.

Mindfulness and Mediation 

Through mindfulness and meditation, you will learn to discipline your mind to stay focused on the here and now, free from judgment. This technique helps quiet the overthinking in your mind and create a sense of calm in the body.  

Nutrition and Exercise  

Nutrition and exercise are important for managing stress and anxiety levels. Your case manager in your IOP will help you create a plan to incorporate movement and balanced meals into your daily schedule. Your case manager can also provide a referral for a nutritionist.  

Creative Arts Therapy  

Creative arts therapy is a great way to explore various dynamics surrounding your mental health. By engaging in art, you will have the opportunity to tell your story and express your thoughts and feelings non-verbally.  

How Teen Anxiety Treatment Works

Clear Behavioral Health offers customized teen anxiety treatment plans while providing group environments, opportunities to learn healthy coping skills, and transitional support when the program is complete.  

Personalized Treatment Plans 

At Clear Behavioral Health, your therapist will collaborate with you on treatment goals and create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates your strengths and other factors unique to you.  

Supportive Peer Group Environment  

Through the group therapy sessions and environment, you will get feedback and support from peers. You will also hear stories and perspectives from others and feel less alone on your journey.  

Building Healthy Coping Mechanisms  

You will learn breathing techniques, mindfulness, somatic relaxation, and effective communication skills through our holistic therapy. You can even create a personalized distraction plan to reference during times of heightened distress or overthinking.

Related: Adopting Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Rebuilding Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem  

By engaging in peer groups, individual therapy, family sessions, and skills training, you will likely rebuild your confidence and self-esteem. You may increase your comfortability in social settings, learn to communicate more effectively, challenge negative self-talk, and develop more compassion towards yourself.  

Transition Support Post-Treatment  

As you near the completion of your treatment at Clear Behavioral Health, your treatment team will assist you in aftercare planning with outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, alumni support groups, and other community resources.

Overcoming Teen Anxiety with the Right Support

Anxiety is a common experience for many teens. Reaching out for support to help you manage anxiety can bring a greater sense of peace, confidence, and control over your life. Entering a teen mental health program can help you explore factors impacting your anxiety, learn coping skills, rebuild your confidence, and create a sense of inner contentment.  

If you or your teen is struggling with anxiety, please know you are not alone. There are many resources to help you overcome anxiety and navigate life from a place of empowerment. Reach out to Clear Behavioral Health to learn more about teen mental health treatment programs throughout the Los Angeles, CA area, including locations in Van Nuys, Santa Clarita, El Monte, and El Segundo. When you’re ready to move from overthinking to overcoming, our team will be here to guide and support you every step of the way.

References:  

1. APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). https://dictionary.apa.org/anxiety
2. Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (n.d.). https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
3. Puberty – Hormonal changes – Physical changes – TeachMePhysiology. (2024, February 12). TeachMePhysiology. https://teachmephysiology.com/reproductive-system/development-maturation/puberty/
4. Konrad, K., Firk, C., & Uhlhaas, P. J. (2013). Brain development during adolescence. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2013.0425
5. Cognitive development in adolescence. (n.d.). Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=cognitive-development-in-adolescence-90-P01594
6. Exploring the impact of school stress on teens’ emotional well-being | Relational Psych. (n.d.). https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/exploring-the-impact-of-school-stress-on-teens-emotional-well-being
7. Exploring the impact of school stress on teens’ emotional well-being | Relational Psych. (n.d.). https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/exploring-the-impact-of-school-stress-on-teens-emotional-well-being
8. Katella, K. (2024, June 17). How social media affects your teen’s mental health: a parent’s guide. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide
9. Loades, M. (2023, December 19). The overlap between low self-esteem and anxiety/depression in CAMHS – ACAMH. ACAMH. https://www.acamh.org/research-digest/self-esteem-anxiety-depression/
10. Leigh, E., Chiu, K., & Clark, D. M. (2021). Is concentration an indirect link between social anxiety and educational achievement in adolescents? PLoS ONE, 16(5), e0249952. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0249952
11. Baron, M. (2024, September 3). How anxiety can affect your personal relationships – Moriah Behavioral Health. Moriah Behavioral Health. https://www.moriahbehavioralhealth.com/anxiety-impact-on-personal-relationships/
12. Generalized anxiety disorder – Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803
13. Kalin, N. H. (2021). Anxiety, depression, and suicide in youth. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(4), 275–279. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.21020186
14. Zhou, X. & Zhejiang Ivy International Academy. (2021). Chronic Stress in Adolescents: Sources, Influencing factors and Interventions. In Advances in Educational Technology and Psychology (Vols. 5–5, pp. 179–183) [Journal-article]. Clausius Scientific Press, Canada. https://www.clausiuspress.com/assets/default/article/2021/10/27/article_1635312127.pdf