Adolescent Social Anxiety: Building Confidence and Fostering Connections
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. ”
In the years between adolescence and adulthood, social connections become increasingly important. However, new interactions, situations and expectations can become a source of immense stress and anxiety.
It’s crucial to understand the different ways we can help teens overcome their social fear while considering the academic, household and societal pressures they face.
The Link Between Academic Pressure and Social Anxiety
Social anxiety often manifests within school settings. Teens may feel a constant pressure to excel, whether it’s coming from guardians, teachers, peers or even themselves.
Learning the important distinction between educational achievement and self-worth will help ease the stress and discomfort of constantly trying to measure up.
As the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry mentions, "The value you place on yourself should not be determined by your academic performance.”
How Teenagers Can Cope with Social Discomfort
Social anxiety can be tough to handle, but we all have the innate ability to overcome it, and these skills can be strengthened. A few tools and techniques for coping and thriving will help them find their footing:
1. Managing New Expectations
Teenagers may suddenly feel, experience or be given more responsibilities and challenges from family, school, teammates or jobs. These new expectations or undertakings can naturally cause feelings of self-doubt, overwhelm, stress and pressure. They will find this easier to deal with if they know how to have honest conversations with those close to them, and practice being clear about what they can or cannot take on.
2. Building Self-Confidence
"Confidence comes, not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.” – Peter McIntyre
Self-confidence doesn't happen overnight. It requires practice, failure and more practice. Confidence-building activities for teenagers include public speaking, team sports or even improv classes to help them get out of their comfort zone.
Teens having trouble with anxiety or building friendships can consider seeking the guidance of a therapist who is dedicated to providing age-appropriate support and tools.
3. Moving Forward with Action
This starts with being aware of one’s own thought patterns. Young adults should be learning to acknowledge their own positive qualities and identify negative tendencies or areas they can improve on.
We can model and advise them on building a supportive social circle of trusted individuals and avoiding those known for manipulative or selfish behavior.
Our Message to Teens:
Take things at your own pace – day by day, slowly but surely. Be patient and kind to yourself; healing and growing is a journey that takes time.
It’s natural to deal with struggles and feel confused. Understand that we are all human, learning and accepting more about who we are bit by bit as we go through different stages of our lives.
You have advocates, resources and information within your reach, including professional therapy and mental health services.
Adolescent Therapy in Boca Raton
Lionhearted Counseling offers therapy tailored to the unique needs of adolescents ranging from 10 to 19 years of age. Get in touch with Lionhearted Counseling LLC today to learn more by phone, by filling out our contact form, or by requesting an appointment.
