This is a significant topic in today’s world. According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 1 in 3 teenagers aged 13 to 18 may suffer from anxiety. How to deal with stress and anxiety in teenagers.
How to deal with stress and anxiety in teenagers
The numbers are on the rise: between 2007 and 2012, anxiety disorders in children and teenagers increased by 20%.
Before the pandemic, it was estimated that 10% of the children and 20% of the teenagers experienced anxiety and mental health disorders. The pandemic has caused a 47% increase in mental health disorders among minors.
There can be multiple causes. On one hand, high expectations and family and/or social pressure to succeed. On the other, a view of the world as frightening and threatening, reinforced by TV news and the recent pandemic. Another significant negative influence is the internet and social media, which contribute to lowering self-esteem.
What can we do to help them?
First, talk to them and let them know they are not alone. Parents should also self-reflect, examine their own expectations, and consider how they project themselves onto their children. It’s important to let them know that the news presents only a partial view, not the absolute reality. The world we live in can also be extraordinary if we focus on that.
Second, I’ve created a list of tips that can help a lot to improve their mood, reduce anxiety, and help them regain their zest for life. In other words, help them lose their fear of living.
Antioxidant-rich and low-sugar diet
What we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mood, energy and concentration levels.
It’s crucial to avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners, which, in addition to being addictive, are “excitotoxins” that negatively affect the central nervous system. They reduce energy, cause anxiety, irritability, and promote depressive states, memory loss, and lack of focus.
A clean, simple diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins is ideal. Include legumes and essential fats.
It’s also advisable to drink plenty of alkaline water and minimize carbonated artificial drinks.
You could try giving them a delicious green smoothie with spinach, banana, and avocado. Green smoothies literally boost mood since they contain tryptophan, among other things.
Another great ally is Royal Jelly, as it’s a fantastic revitalizer, boosts the immune system, and significantly improves mood.
Getting enough sleep
Children and teenagers need to sleep enough hours to recover both physically and mentally. It is not advisable to expose them to blue light from phones before bed, as it affects melatonin production and sleep quality.
At night, blue light disrupts the body’s biological clock and circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disturbances.
Melatonin also influences serotonin production, the happiness hormone. When serotonin decreases, depression and anxiety can arise.
Exercising
Recent studies show that, in addition to the well-known benefits of exercise, hormones stored in the muscles are released that not only create well-being but are the most powerful natural anxiolytic and antidepressant. Teenagers should be encouraged to connect with nature, whether by the sea, in the mountains or outdoors to get some sun, as it’s an effective way to deal with anxiety.
Powerful natural supplements suitable for children and teenagers:
– Omega 3: Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain normal brain function. They also promote better mental development, improvement in learning and behavior during childhood, as they aid in cognitive development.
– B Vitamins: These vitamins are essential for restoring the normal functioning of the nervous system in stressful and anxious situations, especially B1, B6, and B12. Many children and teenagers lack these vitamins today.
– Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies have shown their effectiveness with children and teenagers for several centuries. They are very effective in situations of stress, fear, and anxiety. There are many remedies available, but one particularly effective during the school stage is Gelsemium 30ch.
– Ashwagandha: This adaptogen is a potent natural revitalizer that helps relieve stress and anxiety. It is an effective remedy for weakness and nervous fatiguet and also greatly helps with mood disorders such as mild depression. It clears the mind, improves cognitive ability, and enhances memory, making it ideal for teenagers during study periods. It’s natural and has no side effects. Check out the product.
– Phour Salts: These essential electrolytes and alkalizing minerals provide instant energy. They are very helpful during growth and study periods as they improve concentration and mental focus. Phour Salts also help to alleviate stress, making them ideal during sports performance. Check out the product.
As you can see, there’s a lot we can do!
