Seeking medical help for teenage anxiety before it becomes excessive is a way to help teenagers transition from childhood to adulthood in a better state of wellbeing, mentally, emotionally and physically. One of the forms of treatment that can help teenagers understand and manage the anxiety that they are experiencing is Teenage Anxiety Counselling, otherwise known as Adolescent Counselling.
When is counselling necessary?
Teenagers and their family may not be able to identify initially when counselling will help. Some teenagers are against discussing their feelings with others they do not know. Approaching the topic of counselling for anxiety can bring feelings of distrust and anger, and should therefore be approached in the most sensitive manner. Teenagers may need counselling if they suffer from:
l Sadness and loneliness
l Frustration, anger and uncontrolled emotions
l Anxiety and worry on a daily basis
l Guilty feelings
l Sleeplessness and restlessness
l Changes in eating patterns or appetite
l Signs of bulimia or anorexia
l Withdrawal or isolation
l Anxiety in social settings
l Performance anxiety
l Meeting expectations and feelings of failure
Is counselling confidential?
Counselling is confidential and is there to help teenagers express their feelings or thoughts about life experiences in a safe setting with someone they can learn to trust. The only time when a counsellor will talk about anything discussed with another person is if the teenager gives their permission or if the teenager is at risk of self-harm or harming another person. The breach of confidentiality is then for safety reasons.
Where can I get counselling?
Counsellors are present in the community through a number of avenues. By approaching your General Practitioner (GP), you can receive referral to a mental health specialist that provides counselling. Sometimes counsellors are present in schools and there are also different types of counsellors.
Who counsels teenagers for anxiety?
There are a number of professionals who are qualified to counsel teenagers for anxiety and these include:
l Mental Health Counsellors
l Social Workers
l Nurse Practitioners who specialise in mental health or psychiatry
l Psychologists
l Psychiatrists
