When your child suffers from anxiety, depression and stress, it can be tough watching them struggle. Additionally, stress, depression and anxiety look different as children age and enter into high school and college. High school students may have a lot more responsibility and expectations to live up to, adding more stress to their plates. Some parents opt for over the counter medicine for anxiety and stress to help their teens manage mental health.
High School Student Stressors
Teens in high school may have a lot more to deal with than younger children when it comes to stress. The average high school student may have to juggle multiple responsibilities in life, including school work, part-time jobs, relationships and worries about their future. High school students also have to worry about the pressure of college or their post-graduation plans. It’s important for parents to learn anxiety strategies for high school students to help their children manage all of their feelings and worries.
Anxiety at This Age
Some children have heightened feelings of anxiety when they enter high school and encounter more obligations. Other students may struggle with balancing all of their responsibilities throughout the day and managing their daily tasks. Anxiety may present itself in different ways in high school students. Students struggling with anxiety may appear withdrawn, sad, emotional, angry or apathetic. It’s essential for parents, teachers, coaches and other adults in the school to look out for potential signs of anxiety and depression in high school students.
Medication Side Effects
Parents may opt for their teen to get treatment for anxiety or depression and see a mental health provider for medication. Some prescription medications may cause various side effects. These could include sleepiness, weight gain, weight loss, personality changes, moodiness, nausea and more. Another option is to choose an over the counter medication that may offer fewer side effects like a Brillia supplement. The key is to weigh the pros and cons of any treatment for a teen.
Therapy
Whatever medication treatment option parents choose for their stressed-out teens, it can be more effective when paired with therapy. Teens can benefit from regular behavioral therapy sessions with a mental health professional to help manage their feelings and stay ahead of any stress. Additionally, teens can learn lifelong strategies to help deal with stress and other mental health concerns. Behavioral therapy can be scheduled in some schools, medical offices or through a telemedicine provider.
Trial and Error
Treating children’s mental health most often requires some trial and error with medication, therapy and executive functioning strategies. Parents shouldn’t feel discouraged if one medication doesn’t offer their teen any relief. In many cases, it will take some time to find the right combination of medication and behavioral therapy to benefit a high school student and relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety.
Before choosing an over the counter stress and anxiety medication for your high school student, consider the options and how else you will offer support to your child. Talk to your child’s health care provider to learn more about side effects and other issues with any medication.