SOUTH TAMPA THERAPY FREE RESOURCES BLOG
Understanding Teen Anxiety: What Parents Should Know
Anxiety is a common concern among teens, and while it’s normal for adolescents to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times, persistent anxiety can start to disrupt daily life. Today’s adolescents navigate academic expectations, social pressures, and rapid developmental changes, all of which can make anxiety feel overwhelming without the right support
Anxiety is a common concern among teens, and while it’s normal for adolescents to feel stressed or overwhelmed at times, persistent anxiety can start to disrupt daily life. Today’s adolescents navigate academic expectations, social pressures, and rapid developmental changes, all of which can make anxiety feel overwhelming without the right support.
How Anxiety Shows Up in Teens
Anxiety in teens doesn’t always present as “worry.” It can appear through changes in mood, behavior, or physical symptoms, such as:
Constant overthinking or difficulty relaxing
Irritability, frustration, or emotional sensitivity
Trouble focusing or feeling mentally “stuck”
Fear of embarrassment or being judged
Avoiding social situations or new experiences
Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained physical discomfort
Declining grades or reluctance to attend school
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Panic-like episodes (racing heart, sweating, shaking)
When these patterns continue over time or start impacting school, friendships, or confidence, it’s a sign your teen may need additional support.
What Contributes to Teen Anxiety?
Several factors can influence how anxiety develops in adolescents. The most common include:
Academic pressure and perfectionism
Social challenges and fear of rejection
Family stress or major transitions
Past trauma or difficult experiences
Hormonal changes during adolescence
Genetic or family history of anxiety
These stressors can make daily life feel overwhelming, especially for teens who haven’t yet developed strong coping skills.
Supporting a Teen Who Is Struggling with Anxiety
With the right tools and support, teens can learn to manage anxiety effectively. Here are some evidence-informed strategies:
Encourage Calming Techniques: Deep breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and guided relaxation can help calm the body.
Build Healthy Routines: Consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity support emotional well-being.
Foster Open Communication: Encourage open conversations with trusted friends, family, or a counselor. Let teens know they can talk about their worries without fear of judgment. Sometimes simply being heard reduces anxiety.
Breaking Tasks Into Steps: Help your teen set small, achievable goals to reduce pressure and build confidence.
Teach Coping skills: Skills such as problem-solving, emotion regulation, and assertive communication empower teens to navigate challenges more effectively.
Seek Professional Support When Needed: Therapy (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is highly effective for teen anxiety and offers structured tools for long-term change.
When to Seek Additional Support
If anxiety is affecting your teen’s school performance, relationships, or overall happiness, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference. Counseling provides a safe space for teens to explore what’s contributing to their anxiety while learning tools to feel more grounded and in control.
As a Mental Health Counselor Intern, I support teens and families in understanding anxiety and developing strategies that fit their unique needs. If you're concerned about a teenager in your life, I’d be glad to discuss how I can help.
Serving Tampa, FL & all of Florida via secure telehealth
Book a session here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/Ali
Reference:
Just Breathe: How to Navigate Stress and Anxiety (Bloom- Tampa TV Interview)
Ari Leal, MA, MPA, CMHCI
Ari embraces an integrative approach to counseling, combining biological, psychological, social, and spiritual insights to tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs. His approach is built on the core principles of empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Ari’s work is characterized by a commitment to Pragmatic Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, other innovative, evidence-based modalities and practices, and a multicultural worldview.
His practice focuses on addressing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma, fostering empowerment among adult individuals, couples, and minority populations. Understanding the unique identities, intersectionalities, challenges, and strengths within these communities drives his specialization. As an engaged member of the American Counseling Association, among other professional bodies, Ari is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring that the latest research and advancements in mental health inform his therapeutic practice.
Ari’s holistic approach recognizes the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and well-being and is deeply committed to providing a nurturing space that encourages open exploration and personal growth. Ari embraces a commitment to reflection and self-awareness as crucial for facilitating healing in others. This principle informs every counseling session, allowing him to create a respectful, safe, and confidential environment where individuals and couples can confront challenges and pursue meaningful change.
In addition to clinical interests, Ari’s approach to counseling is enriched by a broad range of personal interests, including a passion for reading, travel, exploring diverse cultures, and holistic wellness practices such as yoga and mindfulness.
Ari Leal, MHCI, a South Tampa Therapy team therapist, recently appeared on Gayle Guyardo's wellness show, Bloom, to discuss effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Ari Leal, MHCI emphasized the importance of seeking help and shared simple coping techniques. During the segment, Leal also provided clarity on the distinctions between stress and anxiety, as well as their respective triggers.
Book a session with Ari: https://southtampacounselor.com/bookappointment
Therapy for Anxiety & Depression in Tampa
Seeking therapy for Anxiety & Depression? Consider Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offered by Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, a South Tampa Counselor and Therapist specializing in these concerns. We use this in combination with several other evidence based approaches.
Depression and Anxiety often coexist, and they stem from different focuses. Depression dwells on the past, fostering thoughts of regret and helplessness. Anxiety, on the other hand, fixates on the future, causing worries and stress.
Seeking therapy for Anxiety & Depression?
Consider Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) offered by Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney, a South Tampa Counselor and Therapist specializing in these concerns. We use this in combination with several other evidence based approaches.
Depression and Anxiety often coexist, and they stem from different focuses. Depression dwells on the past, fostering thoughts of regret and helplessness. Anxiety, on the other hand, fixates on the future, causing worries and stress.
Both conditions share a commonality: they pull attention away from the present moment. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present, can shift this focus.
By dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, you miss the beauty of the present. Mindfulness is about anchoring yourself in the here and now, appreciating life's moments.
I'm here to guide you away from fixating on past regrets or future worries and lead you toward embracing the present moment.
Contact/ Text me at (813) 240-3237, and together, let's alleviate Anxiety and Depression from your life.
Book a session here: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/initialintake