When you think about the typical teen, it’s hard to not imagine them staring at a phone texting or checking social media. Becoming more connected through social media has created a new pressure to constantly check updates and keep up with what’s going on in the world; it’s created a fear of missing out (FoMO). This fear of missing out has been driving anxiety in teens and is magnified through social media.
What is “fear of missing out”?
Fear of missing out is a need to be hyper-connected to others out of fear of missing an opportunity to do or see something deemed important or rewarding. Social media can emphasize this and cause a tremendous amount of anxiety in teens, especially since our society favors the active over the inactive.
Signs of anxiety in teens
Untreated anxiety can lead to a debilitating and constricting disorder down the road. Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of anxiety in teens. Knowing these signs can help with catching anxiety early and getting treatment as soon as possible.
According to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, symptoms related to anxiety in teens include:
- Extremely shy, to the point of avoiding usual activities/new experiences
- Episodes of overwhelming fear or discomfort
- School avoidance
- Excessive physical complaints
- Continuous nervousness/high stress
blueFire Wilderness is here to help
If your teen is experiencing issues with extreme anxiety, we may be able to help. blueFire Wilderness is a wilderness therapy program for adolescents struggling with issues, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many more. Through comprehensive therapeutic techniques, our students learn to thrive. We strive to help families reconnect and move forward from this difficult time.
For more information about how blueFire treats anxiety in teens, call us today at 1(844)-413-1999.