Earlier, it was considered that anxiety disorders can affect only grown ups. But recent studies have shown that even teenagers are at equal risk when anxiety disorders are concerned. However, there are many myths about anxiety disorder in teenagers which are still prevalent in the society. This article is an attempt to bust some of these popular myths.
Snapping a rubber band helps in getting rid of disturbing thoughts
One of the most popular myths prevalent among the teenagers about anxiety disorder is that snapping a rubber band on the wrist is quite an effective way of getting rid of bad or disturbing thoughts. According to popular notion, every time you have such disturbing thoughts, just wrap a band on your wrist and you will start feeling better. However, recent studies have shown that your thoughts become stronger and more frequent if you try to suppress them. It has been rightly said that “the thoughts you resist persist”, and it’s especially true in the case of anxiety disorder.
You can lose control if the panic attack gets too bad
Another popular myth associated with anxiety disorders in teenagers is that the person having such panic attacks can pass out or lose control if it gets too bad. However, the fact is that it is very unlikely that you will faint. Studies have shown that the most common reason which causes a person to faint is the drop in blood pressure. You will be surprised to know that during a panic attack, blood pressure actually rises slightly rather than falling. So, panic attacks and anxiety disorders cannot be held responsible for faintness.
It is important to avoid stress
Even you may have heard of people saying that it is important to avoid stress and situations that make you feel stressed if you have an anxiety disorder. While this was once popular as a behavioral intervention, recent studies have shown that there is absolutely no such connection between avoiding stress and anxiety disorders. In fact, avoiding risks and treating yourself as if you are fragile will only demoralize you. It has been seen that avoiding anxiety tends reinforce it. You need to understand the fact that you can be anxious, but that does not stops from doing whatever you want to do.
Always carry a paper bag in case you hyperventilate
Although it is a fact that hyperventilation and anxiety disorders are closely related with each other, but it does not imply that you will necessarily hyperventilate during a panic attack. Paper bags act as safety crutches and are very effective in bringing relief during hyperventilation. However, you can survive through a panic attack even if you don’t have a paper bag. It is a fact that hyperventilation is quite uncomfortable, but still it is not dangerous.
Causes of anxiety disorder are rooted in childhood
Another popular notion associated with panic attacks and anxiety disorders is that their cause is usually rooted in the childhood of the person suffering from it and that is why effective therapy must focus on that time period. However, the fact is that causes behind anxiety disorders are usually a combination of personal and heredity experiences. Also, recent studies and researches have shown that the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders are the ones which focus upon the present scenario and the new skills to manage emotions, thoughts,
Medications for anxiety are addictive
This is perhaps the most popular myth associated with the medication for anxiety. Most of the people are of the opinion that medications for anxiety disorders in teenagers lead towards addiction of drugs. That is why most of the people will suggest you to take these medications only if it is absolutely necessary. This opinion can be claimed to be partially true, but not completely. The reason because of which this myth came to the surface is that some of the medications for anxiety disorders in teenagers like benzodiazepines which are helpful in the short term, can lead to increased tolerance and dependence after long term use. However, such incidents are very rare. Other than this, in most of the cases, the person suffering from anxiety disorders is administered with first-line medications (the SNRI and SSRI antidepressants) which are not addictive at all.
Medication is the only treatment for anxiety disorders
Although it is true that medication can be effective in the treatment of anxiety, but considering it as the only option is certainly a disbelief. In fact, scientific studies have shown that CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) may be just as or more effective than medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Nowadays, doctors prefer a combination of medication and CBT for most people, especially in the long run.
Some people are just worrywarts or neurotic
Most of the people consider those suffering from anxiety disorders as worrywarts or neurotic, this is especially true in the case of teenagers. A number of hormonal changes are taking place in their body and these changes are held responsible for such behaviour. It is a common belief that there is nothing that can really make any difference for such people. However, the truth is that regardless of your temperament and how long neurotic habits have been in your life, therapy can actually help you in reducing your worries and sufferings.
Anxiety can be cured completely by having a healthy lifestyle
Many people believe that they can get rid of anxiety simply by eating right, avoiding caffeine, exercising regularly and living a healthy lifestyle. This can help you in having some control over your anxiety disorders, but certainly, this cannot cure anxiety. Although anxiety disorders are sensitive to stress, but it is also a fact that anxiety disorders are not caused by stress, it just acts as a trigger. If you want to cure anxiety disorders, then you will have to put in much more effort than just reducing stress. You have to learn tolerance, stop avoiding, face your fears and change your way of thinking.
Compassionate reassurance is good for someone with anxiety problems
It is a common misconception that a continue supply of compassionate reassurances from friends and family helps in avoiding stress, and therefore, good for someone having anxiety disorders. But what actually happens is that this trend inadvertently helps in maintaining fears by keeping you from facing them. Instead of reassurance, compassionate and kind encouragement is more helpful for teenagers.
Teenagers suffering from anxiety disorder are loners
Another popular myth associated with anxiety disorders is that teenagers suffering from it are usually loners. Most of the people tend to believe it is not easy for a teenager suffering from anxiety disorders to interact with others. However, the fact is that anxiety doesn’t distinguish, which means it can affect punks, popular kids or the perfectionists. The only common thread is that the person having anxiety disorders tend to feel alone even when surrounded by others.
