As a child turns into a teenager, their body and mind change – and their parents are, unfortunately, old enough to forget how difficult that period of time can be for a young person. Teenage angst and the inability of fathers and mothers to manage its consequences have often led to disputes and arguments that continued long after the teen in question grew up – all because parents failed to understand how to help their kid get through this tough time.
In our article we will try to understand teenage angst and figure out how it differs from mental health concerns. We will also explore signs, causes, and helpful tips for supporting teens through difficult emotions – protecting mental health in teens is the best thing parents can do for their children.
What Is Teenage Angst?
Teenage angst refers to a behavior of a teenage person characterized by intense emotions, anger, and uncertainty. If your child starts complaining about everything, rebelling against the instructions and requests you have been giving them, and distancing themselves from parents and siblings, it can truly be “just a phase” any healthy teenager goes through. Still, there are teenage emotional issues relevant for most young people – here are the most common teenage angst behaviors:
- Mood fluctuations and general moodiness.
- Self-inflicted withdrawal from society and reluctance to communicate with parents and old friends.
- Sleep disturbances whether the individual cannot fall asleep quickly or wakes up early and restless.
- Intense stress that usually has a valid reason such as trouble at school or first romantic failures.
- Constant conflicts with parents and siblings with or without reason.
What Causes Teenage Angst?
| Causes of Teenage Angst | Description |
Academic Pressure | Whether the teenager is actually struggling at school or their parents are putting extra pressure on them, their grades may be their main cause for concern – this is particularly true for older teens who are thinking about college and perfect scores |
Peer Pressure | Many teens fall apart with their friends they have been close with since early childhood due to minor quarrels – this isolates them and makes them question their looks and behavior especially if the reason for the conflict is the inability of the teenager to comply with current trends and norms |
Social Media | A young person may worry about their appearance basing their ideas about looks on heavily edited social media pictures or compare their own accomplishments with carefully curated posts online that never focus on anything negative |
Family Issues | Troubles at home will definitely cause teen emotional struggles – whether the individual feels they are misunderstood, the strained relationship between their parents became more apparent as they grew older, or they are competing with their siblings for attention from their mother and father, there are many reasons for them to feel insecure and stressed |
Depression Vs. Teenage Angst: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between teenage angst and depression is the duration of the problem – angst is temporary, and occasional violent outbursts will turn into warm communication the next day, while depression overshadows the person’s mood and behavior. While it is usually not hard to pinpoint what triggered angst and resolve the problem by addressing it directly, the causes of depression are harder to identify. Pay attention to your child’s sleep patterns and potential desire to self-isolate – they may indicate the presence of depression.
Teen Angst Vs. Anxiety: What’s the Difference?
Anxiety typically manifests as general apprehension and worry – unfounded fears and self-deprecation are caused by internal turmoil, unlike teen angst, which is usually triggered by external circumstances. When your child is frustrated, confused, and rebels against the status quo, you can be sure you are dealing with teenage angst since anxiety is more about being tense and restless as you are feeling on edge.
How to Recognize Depression or Anxiety in Teenagers Vs. Emotional Angst
Focus on evident signs of teenage stress in order to figure out if your kid requires counseling to handle their emotions or this is just a temporary obstacle on their way:
- If emotional problems a teenager deals with are overwhelming to the point of interfering with their studies, social life, and family life, it may signify the presence of an underlying issue a parent often knows nothing about.
- Angst comes and goes – one day you are your child’s worst enemy, and the next day they apologize for their behavior. Anxiety and depression, on the other hand, do not take a day off – they will bother your kid despite their efforts to feel better.
- When a teenager spends time with their parents, angst may be present – yet when they go out to meet their friends, there is no frustration, anger, or hostility. Teen anxiety, just like depression, will damage the person’s relationships with everybody, including their closest friends.
Five Ways to Help Your Teen Manage Angst
| Advice for a Parent | Description |
Let Them Know You Are There | Instead of insisting your child shares all their worries and feelings with you, be wise and patient – a person who is learning how to be an adult will want to do it on their own and become more independent. Simply tell the teenager you are there to listen and support no matter how complicated the situation is – they will know who to reach out to when they are in real trouble |
Respect Their Privacy | Do not overwhelm your child with supervision – hold back from monitoring their online activity, eavesdropping when they are talking to their friends, or going through their personal belongings |
| Encourage Outdoor Activities and Exercise | Doing sports, exercising regularly, and spending time outside is something a growing person needs to manage their anxiety, resolve body image issues, and socialize with their peers for healthy social development |
Praise Their Achievements | Even when a teenager says they do not care about your approval, it may still be important for their self-esteem. When they accomplish something at school or do well in a sporting event, either tell your child they are doing well or give them a present to celebrate their hard work and success |
Consider Therapy | It is essential to pay close attention to teenage behavior changes and act quickly when it exceeds the limits of the typical attitude you can expect from someone their age. If there are suspicions your kid is depressed or their anxiety becomes an obstacle they cannot deal with on their own, individual counseling or family therapy may be the right solution |
Treatment for Depression or Anxiety in Teenagers
Once it is established your child is suffering from anxiety or depression, take this matter seriously and seek professional help – teenage depression just like untreated anxiety can become a serious issue that may follow the person long into adulthood. Here is what you can do to help your kid:
- Schedule an appointment with a therapist – individual counseling where a teen is able to express their feelings and emotions without getting judged or laughed at will certainly help them.
- Encourage your child to join teen support groups – they can use an opportunity to meet their peers who struggle to connect just like they are, make new friends, and become better listeners in a group setting.
- Create a safe environment for a teenager in your own household – remind them you are always there for a talk or advice yet they get to enjoy their independence and privacy to grow into a healthy adult.
FAQs
- Do I need to get help for my child if he refuses my support?
Coping with teenage stress that may reduce when the exam period is over or the person repairs their relationship with their best friend can be a sensitive topic of conversation between parents and their children. Unless there is a serious cause for concern, simply inform your kid they can talk to you about anything if they ever need it and do not put extra pressure on them.
- Will teenage angst go away when my kid is older?
You can expect your child to become more mature as they turn into a young adult which is why it is essential to show them your support no matter what challenges they are going through. Teenage angst may be over while their memories about how you talked to them with respect and understanding will remain forever.
- How to be a better parent for a teenager?
Acknowledge the feelings of an independent person standing in front of you, be grateful for the time they choose to spend with you, apologize for your own mistakes and admit you are wrong whenever it is necessary, and do not create additional problems when your teenage kid is already struggling with many other things.
- How to recognize the development of depression in a young person?
Do not worry if your child is excited and emotional for no clear reason – start to worry, however, if they do not show emotion, they are no longer enthusiastic about activities they loved in the past, they are spending all the time in their room and sleeping a lot, and withdrawing not just from their parents but also their peers.
- Does my teenage kid need professional treatment for their depression?
Depression is an ordeal that can be too much even for an experienced and mature adult – imagine how hard it is to be depressed while you are treated like a child with neverending adult responsibilities emerging all the time? Find the right counselor to help your kid manage their mental health condition, and you will secure a brighter future for them.
