As a busy parent, it can be hard to see if your teenager is stressed. You’re managing work and family concerns, so missing the signs is easy. But your backing means a lot.
At Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., we are aware of the unique difficulties families experience.
Because of this, we are here to give you tools to assist your teens with anxiety by loving and understanding them and giving them good advice.
Listen: It Helps More Than You Think
When teens feel overwhelmed, they need someone to listen. Not to fix. Not to lecture. Just listen.
- Pause your activity for a moment.
- Look at them.
- Express sentiments such as, “That seems challenging,” or “I’m here to support you.”
Teenagers crave recognition. At Light-Tunnel, we often remind parents that listening builds trust, and trust eases anxiety.
- Make Daily Life Calm and Predictable
Routines give teens a sense of control. You can help by keeping small parts of the day steady:
- Wake-up and sleep time
- Mealtimes together
- Quiet wind-down time at night
Even if life gets busy, try to keep these moments regular.
- Try a “Worry Jar” Together
Sometimes, teens don’t want to talk. That’s okay. Offer them a way to express feelings on paper:
- Get a jar and small slips of paper
- Let your teen write down worries and drop them in
- Pick a quiet time each week to read or talk about them (if they want)
We recommend this simple method in our therapy sessions because expression leads to healing.
- Teach Easy Breathing Exercises
When a young person is stressed, their breathing pattern changes. You can show them this calming trick:
- Breathe in for 4 seconds
- Hold for 4 seconds
- Breathe out slowly for 4 seconds
Do it together. Make it fun or silly to break the tension.
- Spend 10 Quiet Minutes Together Daily
You don’t need hours. Just 10 minutes can change everything.
- Cook together
- Go for a walk
- Sit on the porch and chat
These moments let your teen know: You’re here. You care.
- Notice Changes Without Blame
Teens won’t always say, “I’m anxious.” But their actions might tell you:
- Not sleeping well
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Changes in eating
- Getting angry more often
- Mood swings without a clear cause
Say something like, “I see you’re going through something. Want to talk?”
At Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health, we encourage gentle, non-judging conversations. These open doors for healing.
- Use Technology Wisely
Too much screen time, especially on social media, can raise anxiety. Try tech-free moments:
- Phones away during dinner
- No screens in bedrooms at night
- 30-minute outdoor breaks
This helps protect your teen’s mental space and creates time for authentic connection.
- Let Them Know Anxiety Is Normal
Remind your teen: They are not broken. They are not weird. Anxiety is common and manageable.
Say things like:
- “Lots of people feel this way.”
- “You’re not alone.”
- “There’s help, and it works.”
Through psychotherapy at Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., teens learn healthy ways to handle big feelings. We’re here to help when you’re ready.
- Be Calm: Show What Coping Looks Like
Stress affects your child’s perception of situations. You can use that chance to help them learn something:
- Since I’m stressing out, I’m stepping outside to walk.
- Why don’t we practice deep breathing together?
- You can feel overwhelmed at times without judgment.
Your good coping behaviors show your teen how to handle challenging situations.
- Ask for Help When It’s Bigger Than You
If your teen’s anxiety is stopping them from going to school, sleeping, or enjoying life, it’s time to reach out.
At Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc., we provide expert psychotherapy led by Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP-BC, and a caring team that understands what teens and parents go through. In therapy, teens:
- Learn why they feel anxious
- Find healthy ways to cope
- Feel safe to express themselves
- Build confidence to face life again
You can get some help. We’re here to support you and your family step by step.
Final Words for Busy Parents
You may feel like you’re not doing enough. But if you’re showing up, listening, and trying, even a little, you are doing a lot.
Your love is what your teen needs most, even in busy moments. Start small. Stay kind. Ask for help when you need it.
Join Light-Tunnel Behavioral Health Services Inc. in your family’s journey toward wellness. We’re here whether you need guidance, therapy, or someone to talk to.
Call us today or visit our website to learn how Dr. Omolola Aragbada, PMHNP-BC, and our team can support your teen’s mental well-being.
You are not alone. And with the proper care, your child can grow.
FAQs
Q: Can there be a sudden recovery from anxiety with no support?
It can become less challenging with family backing, good habits, and tools to lower stress.
Q: Does anxiety affect many teens?
Because of schoolwork, issues with friends, and the influence of social media, anxiety is frequent among teens.
Q: Does anxiety in teens sometimes cause additional problems?
Untreated anxiety can cause sleep, academic problems, and lower self-esteem.
