My teenage son is diagnosed with anxiety disorder

[Allyson Wood]

my son who is 14 years old was diagnosed with anxiety just early this year. At first, I thought that it was a teenage thing but it was something more. Before he loves going to school and learn new things. he really had good grades and a lot of friends. But suddenly I noticed that he lost interest in school, sometimes he would cry frantically. the doctor already gave him some meds, and he will start his therapy soon. I honestly don't know what to do, I am worried that he would get worse. What can I do to make him feel that I am always here to support him?

[Celyn]

Hey there,

Sorry to hear your son has recently been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I think it's common for both parents and children to think that it's just a phase, until it lasts longer and becomes more apparent that it's not just a phase.

Anxiety is quite common and is usually more noticeable at times of stress e.g. exams. Since your son used to love going to school and learning new things, I'm wondering if anything changed for him that might have been a factor in his anxiety? Anxiety doesn't necessarily need a cause, but sometimes figuring out if anything might've had an effect on your son, might help when dealing with the anxiety (e.g. bullying, perfectionism, feeling like a failure, test anxiety or even non-school related things can all be reasons for anxiety to develop or get worse and tackling these issues may relieve the anxiety a bit).

It's good that the doctor has given your son medication and that he will be starting therapy soon. Often, managing anxiety involves medication, therapy and lifestyle changes so hopefully your son should find that with time, he'll feel less anxious. If your son does get worse, you can always go back to the doctor and the doctor may be able to change medications, refer for a different therapy or with a different therapist etc. Anxiety may flare up in new or stressful situations but with meds and therapy, your son should be able to learn techniques to deal with anxiety. You can also help by suggesting things like deep breathing exercises and mindfulness, as well as generally trying to keep healthy by exercising, socialising, getting enough sleep etc.

I think letting your son know that you are always there to support him is great. Being able to communicate open and honestly might also help. You want to build up the relationship between you so that if he struggles, he can go to you. Ask him how school was, how he feels and take interest in what he says (or doesn't say). Let him know that it's okay if he doesn't feel like talking to you and recommend that he keeps a journal, tells someone else he trusts etc. and that you'll always be there for him when he does feel like talking. Encourage him to do things like going to school, studying but also doing things that he enjoys or used to enjoy. Sometimes with anxiety, people may avoid things that they feel anxious about and while this helps to lessen the anxiety in the short term, in the longer term it only reinforces the anxiety. Listen to your son and gently challenge any negative thoughts and beliefs he may have about himself or a situation (though try to do it in a way that isn't invalidating towards his feelings e.g. if he is anxious, don't just say that there's nothing to worry about). Also, read up on anxiety and depression (the two often co-exist) and if it helps, suggest that your son also learns about it as understanding is part of the battle when it comes to dealing with mental health.

It's lovely that you reached out for help with supporting your son with anxiety. I'm sure he'll really appreciate your support

[Allyson Wood]

He will start his therapy next week, I am hoping that this would help him

[KyCoo]

Sad to hear. But it's all happening today. There's so much pressure on us that our mind can't handle. Stay strong.

[Allyson Wood]

While eagerly waiting for his scheduled visit to the doctor, I am busy reading articles and going to sites that could help me understand more about mental disorders. Happen to pass by this site https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/ that has a lot of advice that somehow gave me hope that everything will be just fine.

[Lindiana]

Originally Posted by Allyson Wood

my son who is 14 years old was diagnosed with anxiety just early this year. At first, I thought that it was a teenage thing but it was something more. Before he loves going to school and learn new things. he really had good grades and a lot of friends. But suddenly I noticed that he lost interest in school, sometimes he would cry frantically. the doctor already gave him some meds, and he will start his therapy soon. I honestly don't know what to do, I am worried that he would get worse. What can I do to make him feel that I am always here to support him?

Sorry to hear about your sons situation. Didn't you take him to any doctor? There are a lot of treatments available for children who are suffering from anxiety disorder. There are anxiety disorder therapies. Take him for that. He will surely show improvement.

[Allyson Wood]

Originally Posted by Lindiana

Sorry to hear about your sons situation. Didn't you take him to any doctor? There are a lot of treatments available for children who are suffering from anxiety disorder. There are anxiety disorder therapies. Take him for that. He will surely show improvement.

Yes, I'm afraid to even at a young age, kids are suffering. He's on therapy now. Hope he gets better soon.I'm just so worried