Anxiety in Teens; What to
Know and What to Do
Presented by
Kim Mulhern, LMHC
Created by Jaclene Jason, PhD,
Leslie Bromberg, LCSW-R
Kim Mulhern, LMHC
November 2021
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Virtual Meeting Reminders
1. Mute your audio – when not engaged in discussion
2. Be mindful of your video feed/background
3. Use the chat function to submit questions
Month Day, Year
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What is Anxiety?
According to the American Psychological Association, Anxiety is an emotion characterized by
feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.
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Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
Behavioral
1. Withdrawal/isolating
2. Irritability/Anger
3. Tearfulness/Crying
4. Dropping out of activities
5. Turning down plans
6. Hurting yourself
7. Drug and Alcohol use
8. Getting into fights
9. Decline in grades
10.Reassurance seeking
11.Talking strangely and
having unreal, odd ideas
12.Changes in sleep and/or
appetite
13.Procrastinating
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Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety continued:
Cognitive
• Persistent worry
• Negative thoughts,
catastrophizing
• Negative view of self
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating
• Suicidal Ideation
• Having unusual/unreal ideas
Physical
• Stomach issues (nausea, pain,
diarrhea, constipation)
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Heart racing
• Muscle tension
• Restlessness
• Physical exhaustion
• Head aches
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“Fight, Flight or Freeze”
The sympathetic nervous system triggers the fight-or-flight response before we
consciously make any decision on how to act. Many things happen very fast.
First the hormone epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine
(also called noradrenaline) are released into our system.
Retrieved from: https://moodmetric.com/fight-flight-response/
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“Fight, Flight or Freeze”
• Rapid pulse and respiration increase oxygen intake for fast action
• Blood pressure goes up and extra oxygen is sent to the brain,
increasing alertness.
• Sight, hearing, and other senses become sharper.
• Blood sugar (glucose) and fats from energy stores are released into
the bloodstream to give us the extra power we need.
• Skin temperature goes up and the increased sweat on the palms of
our hands improves our grip– should we need to climb a tree to flee.
• Digestion is slowed down – all our energy is now conserved for
staying alive.
Retrieved from: https://moodmetric.com/fight-flight-response/
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Retrieved from : Moodmetrics.com
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When is anxiety helpful
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Yerkes-Dodson Law (Yerkes & Dodson, 1908)
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Treatment for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and
well- supported treatment for anxiety, panic attacks
and panic disorder. CBT works by identifying and
changing unhealthy thinking patterns that trigger
panic attacks. The benefits if CBT can be long-lasting.
Medication
Medication for anxiety and panic attacks can act as a
short-term treatment for severe cases. Because
medication does not treat the underlying issues that
cause anxiety, it should be accompanied by another
form of treatment and psychotherapy.
Relaxation Techniques
Much like how muscles become stronger with
exercise, the body’s relaxation techniques such as
deep breathing, meditation, and progressive
muscle relaxation can help to combat panic
attacks.
Exposure Therapy
During exposure therapy, the patient is
intentionally exposed to the symptoms of panic in
a safe environment. As exposure continues, the
symptoms become more familiar and less
terrifying. Exposure therapy may also involve
gradual exposure to feared situations.
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Challenge your Thoughts
1. Is there evidence for my thought? (Stick to facts)
2. Is there evidence contrary to my thought?
3. Are there other possible explanations? What are they?
All of them!
4. Am I explaining this situation without including all of
the evidence?
5. What would a friend/parent/teacher think about this?
6. If my friend had the same thought about themselves
what would I say to them?
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COVID-19 child reactions
• Trauma
• Anxious
• Depression
How are we and our children impacted?
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What to do
Problem Solve
Grounding
Mindfulness
Acceptance – Ride the wave – Avoid avoiding
Deep Breathing
Challenge your thoughts
Self-soothing
Time management
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Mindfulness
“If you aren’t in the moment, you are either looking
forward to uncertainty, or back to pain and regret.”
Jim Carrey
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Deep Breathing
• Square breathing
Breathe in, 2, 3, 4
Breathe out, 2, 3, 4
Hold, 2, 3, 4
Hold, 2, 3, 4
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Questions?
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Thank You
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