Adults are not the only ones who cope with anxiety. In fact, teenagers are arguably more susceptible to anxiety and panic attacks, given the atmosphere of high school, concerns about popularity and academic achievement as well as the fact that their mind is constantly learning and changing. Once you reach adulthood, life does get more complicated—but it also seems to get less turbulent when it comes to fitting in with society. As an an adult you find a job, you mingle with your co-workers and peers and generally go about life at a steady pace. Teenagers however are bombarded with social pressure and constant scrutiny from educators and from their own peers.

Not only do parents warn teenagers to get good grades, but teachers put pressure on them to compete and earn a scholarship to a high paying college. Fail at college or worse yet at high school, they’re told, then amount to nothing. All of this pressure exists despite the fact that young developing minds are have shorter attention spans and experience with problem solving. School is definitely a competitive arena.

Then there is the social side of school, where young minds are constantly interacting amidst hostility, competition, heartbreaking romance and increasing problems with violence, racism and religious tolerance. All of this pressure contributes to a tremendous amount of anxiety in a young and impressionable mind.

Some teens hough have a great deal of energy and confidence and are able to meet these challenges. However, not every one does and those teens who have a low self image along with school stress to work through can quickly develop anxiety disorders. Worse yet, most students will not have time to consider the option of psychotherapy or traditional medication as workable solutions. They may instead seek plenty of distractions to ease their anxiety including drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity. This of course is not the absolute rule, but certainly a strong possibility.

If you are a parent, friend or family member of a teenager who might be coping with an undiagnosed anxiety disorder then try and speak with the teen’s physician or parent. If you are a parent then you can talk to your child about any possible problems at school that might be causing emotional turmoil. Be especially observant about your teen’s behavior—a loss of appetite, social withdrawal, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, insomnia, fatigue and restlessness are all signs of a possible anxiety disorder.

This is very different from casual anxiety which affects everybody, particularly teens. So don’t assume that just because you catch a son or daughter in a bad mood that they have an anxiety disorder and require medication. They might be going through some personal problems that don’t necessarily relate to chronic anxiety and would certainly resent any implication that they “need” medication. It’s best to be diplomatic and approach them with tact and respect. Sometimes all it takes is just drawing them out in conversation and getting them to reveal what’s on their mind. They might be willing to tell you if you ask and are genuinely concerned about listening as opposed to “fixing” the problem.