Anxiety. That all-too familiar feeling ;

A pounding heart, shaking hands, knots in your stomach. If you’ve seen Disney’s latest release Inside Out 2, you may know anxiety as the orangey-red little monster who turns up to guide main-character Riley through puberty. As the hormones rage within Riley, the old crew of emotions (Joy, Anger, Fear, Disgust and Sadness) are joined by a host of new friends - Anxiety, Embarrassment, Envy and Ennui.

At first, Anxiety seems to help Riley through the natural stresses of being a teenager. However the well-meaning but chaotic emotion eventually makes life incredibly difficult, leaving the other emotions to learn how to wrangle Anxiety. The character designers even made sure that Anxiety looked like a “distant cousin” of Fear.

But beyond the big-screen, anxiety exists as more than just an animated character. For teens, this very real emotion is a ruling force within their lives. Given the complexities of being a young person today, anxiety appears to be on the rise. In 2023, the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW) recorded anxiety as the leading burden of disease in young people. And for parents, helping support and manage this rollercoaster of emotions is a timely and important role.

This week we’ll be giving you some evidence-backed tips (drawing from a comprehensive review by Rapee and colleagues) to understand and support the young people in your life through their emotional development.

Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens

Anxiety is closely aligned to fear, and is an emotion that has evolved to help protect us and keep us safe. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming and disruptive to daily life, it might be considered to be an anxiety disorder. 

Anxiety disorders in young people can include:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterised by excessive worrying about minor daily events. 

• Social anxiety disorder: Fear and worry about interacting with others. 

• Separation anxiety disorder: Excessive fear and worry about being away from certain people, places or things. 

• Specific phobias: For example a fear of heights, public speaking, or animals.

• Panic disorder: Characterised by panic attacks that don’t seem to be related to a trigger situation.

These disorders often look similar to how they appear in adults, with excessive worry, fear, and avoidance. But because young people are still developing, these symptoms can be especially disruptive to their lives, affecting their school performance, social interactions, and family dynamics. 

Anxiety and the Developing Brain

The teen years are a crucial time for brain development, especially in areas related to emotions and decision-making. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for things like impulse control and problem-solving, is still maturing. This can impact how young people experience and manage anxiety.

Research suggests that anxiety disorders in teens are linked to changes in brain structure and function. For example, the amygdala (the brain's "fear centre") may be overactive, while the prefrontal cortex may be under-active.

Environmental Influences

Things like peer relationships, school, and parenting styles all play a role in anxiety. 

• Peers: Negative experiences like bullying can increase anxiety, and anxious kids are more likely to be bullied – a tough cycle.

• School: Academic pressure and negative social experiences can contribute to anxiety.

• Parents: Overprotective parenting can sometimes make anxiety worse by preventing kids from facing their fears.

Supporting Anxious Children and Teens

• Open Communication: Encourage open conversations about feelings and fears. Listen without judgement.

• Healthy Routines: Regular sleep, good nutrition, and physical activity are crucial for well-being and can help reduce anxiety.

• Coping Skills: Teach deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to help manage anxiety in the moment.

• Model Healthy Behaviour: Show kids how you cope with stress in a healthy way.

• Supportive Environment: Foster a safe and supportive home, encourage positive friendships, and address bullying.

• Collaborate with Schools: Work with teachers and counsellors to create a supportive school environment.

• Professional Help: If anxiety is interfering with your child’s daily life, evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) have been shown to improve anxiety in young people.

Supporting anxious children and teens involves addressing both their emotional needs and the environment around them. With the support of friends, family, and other caregivers (i.e. schools), they can learn to navigate these big emotions and build resilience for the future.

Disclaimer: This magazine and its contents do not provide and are not intended to provide or replace medical advice. If you or your loved ones need help with mental health or medical conditions, always seek assistance from qualified clinicians and practitioners. 

Facing anxiety head on

is no easy feat for a young person navigating the complexities of growing up. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers can help lighten the load by being a safe, supportive and calming place to land for them.

If you’re looking for further resources, BeyondBlue and Headspace have designed some handy guides for helping young people with anxiety.

In the poll below, tell us; how do you ease anxiety?

💙 The MM Team

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