Risky Business Rough Draft

Teen Anxiety

     Starting from our tiny-tot years, we all begin to experience some form of worry. Whether Billy will give back your ball or if your mom will pick you up today, these examples are classified within the most minor forms of anxiety. In today’s society, teens everywhere face pressure and trivial drama that often results in endless hours of nervousness. While most teens brush it off, others may experience the more serious side of their worries. Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual’s future.   

            With the experience of teenagers changing considerably over the past 30-40 years, their problems change along with it. Although teen anxiety may have not been a serious or big problem in the past, it has crept up on our generation and nestled itself comfortably into many teenage lives. The National Institute of Mental Health states that while 8% of teens are diagnosed with anxiety, 18%-20% fly under the radar and remain undiagnosed. This is significantly larger compared to the 3% of teens from 1970-1990, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Most are unaware of the growing problem, as it seems either uncommon or unimportant. We must learn not to mistake ordinary worries for anxiety and vice versa.

            As stated before, an undiagnosed anxiety disorder can be sorely misconceived as an ordinary worry taken overboard. This common misinterpretation has lead many into thinking that teen anxiety, or anxiety in general, is not serious and should not be taken seriously. As most teens continue throughout high school, obstacles and problems are evident, such as parental expectations and common phobias. While most parents may dismiss it as a stress overload, there’s a chance it could be more than that. Compared to “major” mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression, anxiety is a “sub-disorder,” or a smaller part of the major disorders. In reality, anxiety alone is a major disorder that more should pay attention to. According to the Discovery Channel, anxiety disorders are one of the top 10 diagnosed mental disorders in America. Even though anxiety can be triggered by insignificant events, such as not meeting expectations or failing a test, they may have a substantial impact on a teen’s current state and future.

            Without proper diagnosis and treatment, anxiety, in the most crucial part of our lives- our high school years- could ruin teens for the rest of their days. Anxiety not only takes a toll on your mental health, but your physical health as well. Harvard Medical School states that anxiety in early development, if not caught, could lead to physical problems, such as short-term memory loss, digestive disorders, suppression of the immune system, and are sometimes related to heart attacks. Constantly worrying and being on guard means a lack of sleep and relaxation; what all humans crave and need. Students are commonly known to pull all-nighters in order to finish their homework, projects, and study for upcoming tests. An Oregon Live study states that five times as many high school and college students are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues than youth of the same age who were studied in the Great Depression era. With an anxiety disorder, the need for perfection is greater than the average student, and would study until satisfied. Not having enough sleep that night could lead to different situations, some being exhaustion and not having the ability to focus. There’s no telling how much this could affect the student’s future, on all aspects of their life.

            Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual’s future. Whether it be worrying about an upcoming test or acceptance of your peers, take a bit of extra time to assess yourself and your nervousness.