The last several years have brought a noticeable increase in diagnosed and treated anxiety among children and adolescents. If it’s not your own kid, the likelihood is high that one or more of their friends is on medication and/or seeing a therapist because of chronic worry. Child and adolescent units at psychiatric hospitals are chronically full. Therapists who specialize in working with kids have long wait lists. It’s a trend that has drawn significant attention from parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike. So what gives? While there’s certainly no one reason we can point to, various factors contribute to this rise, some of which are deeply rooted in societal changes and the evolving landscape of childhood and adolescence. First, let’s identify exactly what we mean when we talk about anxiety in kids.
What Does Anxiety in Children and Adolescents Look Like?
- Excessive worrying or fear
- Restlessness or feeling on edge
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Avoidance of social situations or activities they used to enjoy
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Nail biting or skin picking
- Fidgeting or tapping hands and feet
- Shaking or trembling
- Difficulty making eye contact
- Being easily startled or on high alert
- Muscle tension or unexplained aches and pains
- Seeking constant reassurance
How Did We Get Here?
1. Digital Overload: The pervasive presence of digital devices and social media has transformed the way young people interact with the world and each other. Constant connectivity can lead to information overload, cyberbullying, and unrealistic comparisons with others, all of which can heighten anxiety levels for kids.
2. Academic Pressure: With increasing competition for college admissions and scholarships, children and adolescents face heightened academic expectations. This often starts as early as grade school. The pressure to excel academically can contribute significantly to anxiety and stress.
3. Global and Societal Issues: Exposure to global issues such as climate change, political unrest (the last few months, anyone?), and economic instability can also contribute to a sense of uncertainty and fear about the future, impacting mental health.
4. Pandemic Aftermath: In man ways, we did our kids no favors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It disrupted education, social interactions, and routine activities for our young people, leaving lasting effects on their mental health. The uncertainty and isolation experienced during this period have further exacerbated feelings of anxiety and worry.
5. Family Dynamics and Stability: Societal changes in family structure and economic challenges can also play a critical role. Children who experience instability at home may be more prone to anxiety.
As distressing as this seemingly global increase in child and adolescent anxiety is, there are some potential interventions.
What Can We Do?
1. Open Communication: Encouraging open and honest conversations about feelings and experiences can provide children and adolescents with a much-needed outlet. Parents and educators should foster environments where young people feel safe to express their concerns without judgment.
2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help young individuals manage stress and anxiety. Schools can integrate these practices into the curriculum to make them more accessible.
3. Balanced Digital Detox: Promoting a balanced approach to screen time and encouraging offline activities can help mitigate digital-induced stress. Setting boundaries around digital device usage can foster healthier habits and reduce anxiety. I’ve written before about the angst my wife and I have caused our daughters by requiring them to (gasp!) put their phones in our room overnight.
4. Supportive Educational Environments: Schools should aim to create supportive environments that value mental health as much as academic achievement. Providing resources such as counseling and stress management workshops can help students cope with academic pressures.
5. Access to Professional Help: Making mental health resources and professional counseling more accessible can be vital. Early intervention can prevent anxiety from escalating into more serious mental health
7. Parental Education and Support: Providing parents with resources and training to recognize signs of anxiety and effective ways to address them can enhance their ability to support their children.
It’s not as hopeless as it seems. By creating supportive, empathetic environments with clear expectations, and by providing the necessary tools and resources, we can help children and adolescents navigate the complexities of modern life more effectively, fostering greater resilience and mental well-being. Who knows… they might even put their phones down and talk with their parents again.
