Explore the unique issues causing adolescents anxiety
NOTE: ALL Podcasts are for educational purposes only and are NOT a replacement for medical advice or counseling from a licensed professional. #adolescentanxiety #parenting #childdevelopment Adolescent Anxiety Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes PhD, LPC-MHSP, LMHC AllCEUs.com Continuing Education Objectives Identify prevalence Explore triggering issues Discuss how/why adolescents respond differently than adults (or even children) Review intervention approaches Physical Triggers Sleep (Anxiety; schedules; homework; hygiene) Nutrition (incl. energy drinks) Hormone fluctuations Gender Identity (and determining their gender identity) Hyper-responsive (comparatively) HPA-Axis Immature PFC Hyperactive stress response Stuck in F/F mode (emotional mind) making it difficult to think clearly and identify what is bothering them in the moment Affective/Cognitive Triggers Fewer experiences to inform default schema Increased “learning” from less than accurate sources Lack of awareness to find “accurate” sources Increased distress increases emotional salience of distressful triggers Extreme thinking / demands for perfection / difficulty with identifying diminishing returns So much stimulation serves to distract from mindfulness Cognitive Development Concrete: Dichotomous Egocentric (until age 7) Can only see their own point of view Inductive reasoning—observation to idea (generalization) Green traffic lights always turn yellow. Formal (11y.o.+): Abstract thinking, Deductive reasoning— If A=B and B=C then A=C If any of the premises are incorrect then the solution will also be incorrect. How much incorrect or only partially correct information is out there? Based on their “years of experience” how many of the generalizations made during childhood which now inform their reasoning are accurate? Often not taught to challenge existing generalizations Environmental Triggers Lack of safety Virtual safety: 24/7 and permeating all safe spaces; disinhibition (abuse/neglect); deep fakes; identity theft; catfish; out of context posts or life-long posts negatively impacting school acceptance or jobs Lack of a need to leave leads to fewer experiences “out there” and a discomfort with “out there” Instagram facade Relational Identity vs. Role Confusion (Erikson) Defining “Who am I?” Identity involves the experiences, relationships, and values that make up a person's sense of self. People who are not allowed to explore and test out different identities might lead to role confusion—being unsure of who they are and where they fit in (if anywhere). People who develop a role identity based on one or more “canceled” principles may fear abandonment if people knew the “real them” Relational Parental distress: Perception and Disengagement Texting vs. talking Cancel culture (rejection/abandonment) Constantly changing landscape FOMO = no time for relaxation Larger fishbowl (swipe right / ghosting) May never know why someone ghosted which can lead to inaccurate conclusions Reduced effort in relationships Sexuality Define rich and meaningful life Purposeful Action Choosing to use your energy doing things that just spin your wheels or help you get traction to move forward Mindfulness (Morning and Night) Strengths and vulnerabilities Physical Affective Cognitive Environmental Relational Identify ways to address vulnerabilities Urge Surfing Distress Tolerance: TAGS Exercise and Stretching Adolescents are growing rapidly. Exercise and stretching can help with feelings of coordination and reduce pain Mild exercise can help reduce cortisol levels Moderate to intense exercise can help “reset” the stress response BETA Testing Breathe Examine the Facts in Context Talk to others and think about alternatives Act to improve the next moment and assess outcomes