Helping Your Son Navigate Anxiety in Teens

Sometimes, in life, we all want to curl up in a ball like we did when we were young. This self-soothing posture helps us to feel comforted so we can calm down, self-regulate, and eventually figure things out. 

And sometimes as teens and adults, we forget how to self-regulate or we have just never learned good coping mechanisms as a child.  This is where anxiety has the opportunity to kick into high gear and make us feel miserable. 

Our worries and fears are allowed to spin out of control, even to the point of feeling undesirable, unworthy, unwanted, or even unloved.  Anxiety is a common challenge many teens and young men face, and as a parent, it can be distressing to witness your son struggling. 

However, there are some simple steps you can take to support him through his difficult times. 

Anxiety Coping Skills For Teens

Open Communication

All men, even your teen son yearn to be respected. There is no better way to respect your son than to have open, non-judgmental communication.

Too often in our society, we are told as men to suck it up, be a man, or even worse, some of the current male-bashing where men are meant to feel like they are horrible people just because they are men.  

This can all be very confusing for young men who have feelings but are told to squash them.  It's not cool to be sad. This is why open communication is key when addressing anxiety in teens and young men. 

So create a safe and non-judgmental space where your son feels comfortable expressing his feelings. Encourage him to talk openly about what he's experiencing and reassure him that it's okay to feel anxious.

Listen Actively

Pay attention to what your son is saying without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen.

Validate His Feelings

Let your son know that his feelings are valid and normal. Avoid dismissing or trivializing his anxiety, as this can make him feel misunderstood. Or worse yet, cause him to stuff his feelings deep down inside himself where he never learns how to deal with them.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of asking yes or no questions, encourage deeper conversations by asking open-ended questions that allow him to express himself more fully. By fostering open communication, you can gain insight into your son's anxiety triggers and provide him with the support he needs.

Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Teach your son healthy coping mechanisms to manage his anxiety effectively. Encourage activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as:

Regular Exercise

Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and mood booster. Encourage your son to engage in activities he enjoys, whether playing sports, running, skateboarding, or going to the gym. Many gyms have very cheap monthly memberships.  Invest $15 - $25 a month in your son’s mental & physical health by encouraging him to join a gym.

Shooting hoops can be a great stress relief.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Introduce your son to mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques can help him stay grounded and calm during moments of anxiety.  

Check out the Navy Seal Box breathing technique from Quietkit.com.  Do you ever see a stressed-out Navy Seal? https://quietkit.com/box-breathing/#:~:text=Inhale%20for%204%20seconds%20(as,as%20the%20circle%20is%20contracted)

Pursue Hobbies and Interests

Encourage your son to explore hobbies and activities that bring him consistent joy and fulfillment. 

Whether it's playing music, painting, gaming, hiking, or building models. Engaging in enjoyable activities can distract from anxious thoughts and promote a sense of well-being.

By incorporating these healthy coping mechanisms into his daily routine, your son can develop effective strategies for managing his anxiety in the long term.

Helping a Child with Anxiety Through Professional Support

While parental support is crucial, it's also essential to recognize when professional help may be necessary. If your son's anxiety is significantly impacting his daily life and functioning, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor.

Life Coaching for Anxiety in Young Male Adults 

These Professionals like Darrin with Teen Ideal Life Coaching can provide your son with a safe and supportive environment to explore his anxiety and learn coping skills to manage it effectively. 

Here at Teen Ideal, we offer personalized strategies and interventions tailored to your son's needs.

Medication

Too often, we shy away from medication due to the stigma that it might be the only option your son needs to help bring balance back into his life.  For one of my sons, we waited too long due to this stigma. 

However, if needed, consult your primary care provider or other qualified healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of medications for your son.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety.  

Remember that seeking professional support is not a sign of weakness but rather a proactive step toward prioritizing your son's mental health and well-being. The earlier you can help him, the more productive and healthy his adult life will be.

How many sons wait until they are in their 40s and 50s to seek help?

Helping your son navigate anxiety requires patience, understanding, and proactive support. By fostering open communication, encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can empower your son to manage his anxiety effectively and thrive. 

Let's get your son back on track and provide him with some lifelong tools for mental health!

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. If you ever need additional support or resources, don't hesitate to reach out here at Teen Ideal.

I can assist you and your family every step of the way. Together, we can help our sons overcome anxiety and live fulfilling lives.  Let's help your son become the best man he can be.