The Link Between Anxiety and Perfectionism

Anxiety is one of the most common disorders teenagers face today, but it doesn't always look like crying or panic attacks. Many factors could cause anxiety, such as friendship changes, family dynamics, social media, and school pressure, which can cause overwhelming stress. Anger, withdrawal, or irritation are some of the symptoms of anxiety that some teenagers experience. Others might experience physical symptoms, including persistent tiredness, headaches, or stomachaches. Too often, anxiety symptoms can be dismissed as “teenage moodiness”, when in reality, constant worrying and anxiousness deserve care and support. Teens frequently avoid discussing their mental health, particularly if they have had bad experiences in the past or are afraid of being judged.

At Trust Therapy, we help teenagers feel seen and heard in a safe, supportive space, using trusted, evidence-based methods, involving their families where necessary. Trust is therefore essential to treatment. It may take some time to develop, but it makes room for improvement once it does. Teens work together with the therapist to set goals, choose topics to discuss, and determine the level of depth to explore during our collaborative sessions. We take our time with the process, make sure to assist them in comprehending their ideas, controlling their body reactions, and gaining self-assurance in their coping mechanisms. This trust carries over into our interactions with parents. Teens in therapy require privacy, but we collaborate with families to respectfully and openly update them.

On top of individual therapy, we also provide family therapy to improve communication, strengthen connections, and resolve differences. Including families does not mean that parents have acted improperly; it simply implies that everyone is willing to work and fix things together. Sometimes, a few sessions to improve communication or set boundaries can make a big difference. Family therapy enables everyone to voice their opinions and be heard. With just one or two sessions, home tension can decrease, and patterns can be changed. We also provide parent-only sessions which emphasize methods for establishing boundaries, controlling stress, providing a secure home environment, and helping their anxious teen.

You should never wait to get help until things get "bad enough". If your teen's anxiety is interfering with their daily functioning, you should always reach out for help. We recognize that every teen and every family is unique. Our therapists take the time to learn about your circumstances and offer support to that individual.