Social anxiety in young people: Signs and solutions for parents

Is your teenager showing signs of social anxiety? Recent evidence suggests that social anxiety is a growing concern among young people. Studies have found that over one-third (36%) of individuals aged 16-29 meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder (SAD), with many of them not recognising their difficulties.

In addition, rates of social anxiety have increased by 20% over the past decade, with the highest rates among those aged 18-26. A significant number of young adults between ages 18-25 reports experiencing anxiety or depression (48%). These findings emphasise the need for effective support and intervention for young people struggling with social anxiety. 

Common signs of social anxiety 

If you suspect that your teenager is experiencing social anxiety, it’s essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Here are some common signs that parents should look out for:

• avoidance of social situations or events
• fear of being judged or humiliated in front of others
• excessive worry about social situations
• self-consciousness and feeling embarrassed in front of others
• difficulty making eye contact or speaking in front of others
• physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and blushing
• negative self-talk and low self-esteem
• difficulty making friends or maintaining relationships
• increased use of technology as a form of social avoidance
• if you notice any of these signs, it's essential to take action and help your teenager through the process.

Supporting your child with social anxiety 

Here are some tips on how you can support your teenager with social anxiety:

• Create a safe and supportive environment where your teenager can talk about their feelings and fears.
• Help your teenager practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness.
• Gradually expose your teenager to social situations and events, starting with less challenging situations and gradually increasing the level of difficulty.
• Offer positive reinforcement and praise for their efforts and progress.
• Encourage your teenager to participate in activities that they enjoy and that help them build confidence. 

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can be used to help teenagers with social anxiety. Here are some ways that hypnotherapy can be useful:

• Hypnotherapy can help teenagers access their subconscious mind to identify and overcome negative beliefs and behaviours related to social anxiety.
• Hypnotherapy can help teenagers develop new coping strategies and behaviours to manage social anxiety symptoms.
• Hypnotherapy can help teenagers build self-esteem and confidence, which can be beneficial in overcoming social anxiety. 

If you’re a parent of a teenager with social anxiety, hypnotherapy can also be helpful for you. Here’s how:

• Hypnotherapy can help parents develop coping strategies and techniques to manage their own stress and anxiety related to their teenager’s social anxiety.
• Hypnotherapy can help parents communicate more effectively with their teenager and provide support in a way that is beneficial for both parties.
• Hypnotherapy can help parents develop a positive mindset and maintain a healthy perspective on their teenager’s social anxiety. 

In conclusion, social anxiety is a growing issue for teenagers, and parents must be aware of the signs and provide support. Hypnotherapy can aid teenagers and parents in managing social anxiety-related stress and anxiety. If you'd like to find out more, feel free to reach out to me.