15 Oct Help My Teenager With Anxiety: How to Support Teens Through Panic and Overwhelm
Help My Teenager With Anxiety.
If you’ve been Googling “help my teenager with anxiety”, you’re not alone. Teen anxiety and panic attacks are more common than ever and as a parent, watching your child struggle can feel heartbreaking and helpless. The good news is, there are effective ways to support them, even if they resist help or find it hard to talk.
Understanding Teen Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can lead to intense physical and emotional reactions. Panic attacks often feel like:
- Sudden rapid heartbeat or breathlessness
- Nausea, dizziness, or chest tightness
- Feeling detached from reality
- Intense fear “out of nowhere”
For neurodivergent or autistic teens, anxiety can be heightened by sensory sensitivities, change, or social expectations. Traditional approaches like talking therapies or CBT don’t always work because they require logic and reflection, which can be difficult when the nervous system is in a state of overwhelm.
Why EFT and Hypnotherapy Work Differently
My sessions are empowering for my clients, so they can feel in control of their well-being and healing. I use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and hypnotherapy, which work with the subconscious mind and the body’s stress response rather than relying solely on talking.
- EFT uses gentle tapping on acupressure points to calm the nervous system and release stored anxiety. It’s easy to learn and can be used by teens themselves during moments of panic.
- Hypnotherapy works in an abstract, metaphorical way, bypassing resistance and supporting the brain to rewire unhelpful patterns. It’s especially effective for panic attacks, as it helps the body unlearn its automatic “fight or flight” response.
- For neurodivergent teens, these approaches feel less pressurised, don’t require “homework”, and work with their natural wiring rather than against it.
How to Approach a Teen Who Resists Help
It’s normal for teenagers especially those who feel anxious to reject offers of support. Here’s how to gently open the door without creating pressure:
- Validate their feelings: “It makes sense you feel overwhelmed, lots of people do.”
- Offer choices: Autonomy is key. Ask, “Would you prefer to try something at home first, or talk to someone together?”
- Keep language gentle and curious: Avoid “fixing” language. Instead of “You need help,” try “There are ways to make this feel easier, would you like to hear about them?”
- Model openness: Share your own experiences with anxiety to normalise it.
Practical Ways You Can Help at Home
While professional support can make a big difference, there are small daily steps that can reduce anxiety:
- Create a calm environment: Reduce sensory overload, soft lighting, quiet spaces, weighted blankets.
- Focus on regulation before reasoning: Help them calm their body first (breathing, walking, tapping) before discussing problems.
- Celebrate small wins: Every step, even leaving the house or talking about their feelings is progress.
- Don’t minimise their experience: Avoid “It’s nothing to worry about.” Instead, reassure: “I know it feels scary, but we can manage this together.”
Next Steps: Gentle, Effective Support
If your teenager is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks especially if traditional approaches and talking therapies haven’t worked, EFT and hypnotherapy can offer a gentle, effective alternative. I work with teens and families to calm the nervous system, build resilience, and restore confidence, even in those who are highly sensitive or neurodivergent. I offer online sessions so my cleints can be in the comfort of their own home, and in person sessions for EFT and hypnotherapy in Nottingham.
👉 Get in touch with me here to find out how I can help your teen feel calmer, more confident, and back in control of their life.
Contact me here: https://contact-me/
Request a call with me: https://calendlyclarity-call
More of my content help for teenagers with anxiety: https://emotional-regulation-techniques
Recommended reading/resources: https://amzn.to/4qbeJbz