Everyday Techniques Young Adults Can Use to Adapt to Anxiety

It’s not always easy to recognize an anxiety disorder in a young adult. Teens, in particular, can be joyful one minute and then withdrawn the next. They are frenetic, often irrational, and seem highly concerned about their social status. All of this can be dismissed as “teens being teens.” However, at least one out of every four kids between 13 and 18 years old is impacted by an anxiety disorder.

All of the above adds up to a warning to keep an eye on your child’s mental health. If they are among those 25.1 percent with anxiety, let them know there are everyday techniques that can use to adapt.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Young Adults

• Extreme concern about school-related situations — from classes to extracurricular activities to socializing (this can develop into avoidance of school)
• Overall, prolonger edginess, e.g. irritability, unable to relax, and loss of focus
• They are easily startled and thus, become hyper-vigilant
• Worrying about their own safety and/or the safety of the family
• Unwillingness to be away from parents for long periods

These signs may be accompanied by physical problems like:

• Shortness of breath
• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained aches, pains, and tension (headaches and stomachaches in particular)

Your teen may have any of these symptoms on their own. What you want to watch for is a cluster of them that become ongoing. That’s when some self-help suggestions might be warranted.

Everyday Techniques Young Adults Can Use to Adapt to Anxiety

Practice Self-Care

These are challenging years. A young adult’s body is changing and so is their situation. They have big decisions to make and new responsibilities to manage. To help them be at their best, a daily self-care regimen is essential. This may include:

• Making healthy eating choices
• Getting in some exercise and physical activity
• Maintaining regular sleep patterns
• Learning some relaxation techniques (see next item)

Learn How to Really Relax

Watching TV or scrolling on your phone may feel like relaxing choices but they do not ease your mind and its anxious thoughts. Look into ideas like the following:

• breathing exercises
• meditation
• visualization
• Tai chi or yoga

Also, time spent connecting with nature, regardless of the season,  is a proven path toward stress relief.

Create a Social Circle

It’s wonderful if a young adult is close with their family. But they also need more. Trusted friends, co-workers, classmates, and neighbors can be indispensable. Get together for fun plans. Create new memories. Relieve your mind from worries and fears. Remind yourself that you are not alone.

Practice Gratitude

Keep track of the good moments — big or small — each day. This practice provides balance when life’s normal stress emerges. A gratitude journal is an ideal way to honor these blessings and acknowledge goals and dreams.

How You Can Support Your Child With Anxiety

• Validate them: Never downplay anxious emotions or fears. Offer them more than just suggestions like “don’t worry” or “it will pass.”
• Encourage them to talk about it: Venting is a powerful method of relief. Let your child know you are always here to listen.
• Support their goals: A path toward recovery involves setting and working toward goals. This requires bravery. It means a lot to them to know your support them.
• Teach them positive self-talk: Help them develop healthy ways to challenge that negative inner monologue that gets loud in times of anxiety.

Talk to a Professional

Anxiety is a very common mental health disorder. Self-help is very important but professional help is also crucial. Learn more about what therapy can do for your young adult, please read more about anxiety treatment.  For a safe and confidential consultation, please contact me soon. With some guidance, they can adapt and recover and you can have peace of mind too.