Everyone experiences some level of anxiety in their lives. Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and sometimes a warning that danger is coming. However, extreme anxiety that is overwhelming and constant is part of an anxiety disorder.
Those with an anxiety disorder find it difficult to function at work, school or social events. A person with this disorder may avoid these circumstances. There are different anxiety disorder types.
Anxiety Disorder Types
There are multiple different types of anxiety disorders. Some are more prevalent in children and teens, and others are more prominent in adults. However, each age group can experience any anxiety disorder at any time. Some examples include phobias, separation anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of anxiety can present themselves in the same manner regardless of age. Excessive worry or fear is a typical symptom. An individual with this disorder can have issues with sleep, problems with concentration and may even find it difficult to breathe. However, symptoms can show up differently in children and teens versus adults.
Does Anxiety Show Up Differently in Children & Teens vs. Adults?
Children are more likely to suffer from anxiety related to fear of separation from loved ones or familiar places and experiences. They usually worry more about the future. Children may develop selective mutism where they cannot speak in particular situations. They can also experience panic attacks with symptoms like dizziness, difficulty breathing and maybe an increased heart rate.
Teen anxiety is more prevalent than anxiety in younger children. They experience a lot of emotional and physical changes during this stage of life that contribute to anxiety. Anxiety usually presents as a phobia, social anxiety, and panic disorders in teens. The signs are often similar to those in children but can also appear in alcohol and drug use and promiscuity. The teen may withdraw from social activities, school and work and even have physical symptoms such as stomach issues and headaches.
Anxiety disorders in adults often present as panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorders. As with all ages, the signs will depend on the specific disorder. Panic attacks will show up with heart palpitations and shortness of breath, for example. If the adult has social anxiety, the adult may completely avoid social events.
How to Naturally Ease Anxiety According to Age Group
There is medication for anxiety such as SSRIs, Paxil and Zoloft. However, there are alternatives to anxiety medication.
Children can benefit from behavior therapy. This therapy will focus on teaching them how to cope with their specific fears while exposing them to these fears. It helps change the negative thought patterns the child has developed. Some interventions involve the school with parents and teachers coming together to help the child with their academic performance.
Behavior therapy can also be beneficial for teens with this disorder. Exposure therapy and relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga are beneficial techniques. Adults will benefit from behavior and exposure therapy in addition to psychotherapy. There are also anxiety products for adults that may help.
All age groups can use exercise, gardening, meditation and aromatherapy to help ease anxiety. In addition, there are many homeopathic remedies available that help with these symptoms. Research your options and find what works best for you and your situation.
