After a few months of summer break, it’s not unusual for teens to feel a bit nervous about going back to school and spending time with their peers. This is especially common before the transition into high school or when transferring to a new school. 

If your teen is showing excessive worry about what others are thinking, especially if it’s accompanied by other changes in behavior, they may be dealing with social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD is a condition that can be managed with effective support and treatment. Some signs to look out for might include avoiding social situations, keeping a distance from their classmates, or having physical anxiety symptoms on school days.

Anxiety in teens has shown a steep increase in the past five years, and recent studies estimate that 30% of teens will experience an anxiety-related disorder. Social anxiety can go beyond typical teenage shyness and can significantly impact your teen’s ability to participate in school activities and form meaningful friendships. 

Conditions like SAD often go unrecognized and untreated. You can help your teen manage social anxiety by talking with them about what they’re feeling, listening actively, helping them seek treatment, and helping them practice healthy coping skills.

In this article, we’ll explore seven signs your teen may be struggling with social anxiety this back-to-school season and how to recognize them.

7 social anxiety signs to watch for

Social anxiety looks different for each person. It’s true that teens go through phases, and behaviors can come and go. Changes in basics like sleep, appetite, or friendships are often a clue that a teen needs help. If your teen’s showing these kinds of changes along with signs of distress or symptoms in more than one area, you should talk with them about what you’re noticing. 

The following are seven signs your teen may be struggling with social anxiety:

• Physical symptoms that seem unusual 

Social anxiety often manifests as physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, nausea, or stomachaches. If your teen starts feeling unwell on school days, especially if they show a pattern of the same symptoms in the morning or during class time, this could be a sign of social anxiety.

• Avoidance of age-appropriate social activities 

Many teens feel a bit nervous or awkward around their peers from time to time. However, if your teen starts to avoid or refuse social activities, it could be a response to anxiety. Anything from birthday parties to extracurricular activities, group projects, or even lunch and break times can be challenging for teens with social anxiety.

• Excessive worry about judgment from peers 

Most often, social anxiety stems from a fear of judgment or ridicule. This might look like constant worrying about others’ opinions, self-consciousness, sensitivity to criticism, or excessive worrying about social interactions in the hours beforehand.

• Difficulty speaking up in class or group settings 

Have your child’s teachers noticed they are staying silent during class? Do they hang back and hesitate to take part in activities or show distress when spoken to? If so, these could be signs of social anxiety.

• Social isolation and withdrawal 

Teens with social anxiety may spend a lot of time alone or avoid common areas where their peers are gathered. This can lead to a decline in academic performance and worsening mental health. 

• Perfectionism in social situations 

Making mistakes in front of peers can be distressing for teens with social anxiety. To avoid this, they might spend a lot of time rehearsing conversations or avoid situations where they might make a mistake, such as playing games or studying with a classmate.

• Sleep disruption and mood changes 

Social anxiety can keep a person from getting restful sleep. It can also cause appetite changes, irritability, or emotional outbursts that are uncharacteristic of them. Any significant changes in your teen’s behavior may be a result of social anxiety, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms.

How to support a teen who’s experiencing social anxiety

Starting a conversation with your teen today will help you get one step closer to understanding what’s happening so you can help them through it. Let them know what you’re noticing and why you’re concerned, but try to be objective and avoid judgment. They may not want to talk about it right away, but if you leave the door open and show them it’s safe to confide in you, they’ll open up when they’re ready. 

If it seems like your teen is dealing with social anxiety at school, validate their feelings and tell them you’re proud of them for making an effort to face their fears. Ask them how they feel about seeking mental health care. You don’t have to have all the answers, but if they have concerns, you can work on addressing them together.

At Lightfully Teen, we offer three levels of mental health care for young people aged 12 to 17. Our licensed clinicians take a unique approach called Precision Care Model (PCM) that combines aspects of different evidence-based treatments to create a personalized treatment plan for each person. We help teens reduce symptoms and build lasting skills, and we also help them learn to care for their mental health proactively for long-term wellness.

Are you exploring higher levels of mental health care for a teen with social anxiety? The first step is an in-depth assessment. Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.