Social anxiety is a growing concern among young Americans and their families. Mental Health America notes that nearly 7% of Americans live with this mental health issue. Notably, 75% of them encounter the first signs of social anxiety as youngsters, during childhood or teen years. Not seeking help can worsen social anxiety over time.
Parents need to be vigilant about the early red flags because more severe forms of social anxiety require help. You may have to consider the option of residential treatment for teens to ensure timely intervention and support. However, that is possible only if you recognize the early signs and prevent the issue from getting beyond control.
In this article, we will highlight a few red flags that indicate your teen is struggling with social anxiety and needs help.
#1. Excessive Worry About Social Interactions
According to NIH, social anxiety is not just shyness, as most people initially perceive it. You may feel that your teen experiences intense worry about upcoming social situations. Even everyday tasks like speaking to people at school or casual events may seem like a daunting challenge to your young child.
They might also experience embarrassment or fear of criticism from peers and others. Eventually, this can result in avoidance behaviors, where they might skip events. This excessive worry can also disrupt their daily life as they fear engaging even in normal activities like meeting new people.
#2. Physical Symptoms in Social Settings
Healthline cites the impact of anxiety on the body. It can cause indigestion, rapid heart rate, chest pain, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. Other warning signs include sweating, shaking, and stomach aches. Even social anxiety may manifest as these physical symptoms.
Also, watch out for nervous habits like speaking softly, avoiding eye contact, or appearing rigid and tense during conversations. Over time, these physical symptoms can reinforce their fears and contribute to a cycle of anxiety.
#3. Self-Criticism After Social Interactions
Another red flag indicating social anxiety among teens is self-criticism. You may find your child engaging in negative self-talk following social encounters. In fact, they may obsess over awkward moments or perceived mistakes from an interaction. This often leads to negative feelings of self-doubt and embarrassment.
According to Psychology Today, being critical of themselves makes young people resort to ineffective ways to manage emotions. The inability to handle these emotions can eventually worsen their mental health. It can also diminish their self-worth and make them hesitant to engage socially. Over time, they look for ways to avoid social experiences, which is not healthy as they grow older.
#4. Difficulty in Routine Interactions
Does your child experience difficulty in routine interactions? For example, initiating or maintaining conversations with peers or authority figures may be challenging for them. Similarly, they may have a hard time participating in group discussions or class activities. Such interactions can cause stress and make them withdraw or remain silent.
The worst thing about missing out on routine interactions is that it can affect their academic performance. In the long run, it may hinder the career of your teen and opportunities for personal growth. Polaris Teen Center recommends seeking support from professionals to ensure that your teen can live a happy, productive life.
#5. Increased Irritability and Mood Swings
Mood swings are a normal part of adolescence. According to Parents.com, biology could be the reason for these sudden emotional shifts. Your child experiences hormonal changes during the teenage years, and these may cause mood swings. However, social anxiety may be another cause of irritability and mood swings.
Your teen may become easily frustrated or irritable when they face social situations or discussions about attending events. The internal pressure they feel regarding their anxiety is often the reason. Mood fluctuations are common as they feel anxious one moment and withdrawn or sad the next. Their connections with friends and family may be impacted by these emotional shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- What causes social anxiety in teenagers?
- Social anxiety among teens may stem from various factors. Some are genetically predisposed, while others experience it due to environmental influences such as parenting styles. In some cases, past negative experiences in social settings can make them anxious. Additionally, biological factors related to neurotransmitters may also be a culprit.
2- How can I help my teen cope with social anxiety?
- As a parent, you must understand and recognize the problem in the first place. If you notice any of these red flags, encourage open communication about their feelings. Gradually expose them to social situations in a supportive manner. Do not hesitate to seek professional help such as therapy and residential treatment programs.
3- When should I consider getting professional help for my teen?
- Look for professional help if your teen’s anxiety is persistent and severely impacts their daily functioning such as school attendance or friendships. Do not wait until the issue gets worse and causes a lot of distress. Early intervention can help your child with effective coping strategies and support.
Social anxiety may not seem like a big deal to begin with, but it can hinder the growth and mental health of young people over time. Recognizing these signs sooner rather than later enables parents to provide the support and resources their teens require to deal with social anxiety. By having these at hand, your child can navigate their battle with negative emotions more effectively.