Lecture to Address Rise in Anxiety Among Teen and Adolescent Girls

Although anxiety is common among all age groups and genders, teenage girls struggle with anxiety more than any other group. The National Institute of Mental Health (2020 study) found 38% of adolescent girls are managing anxiety disorders. In addition, the Surgeon General reported that research in early 2021 revealed that emergency department visits in the United States for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher for adolescent girls and 4% higher for adolescent boys compared to the same period in early 2019.

Professionals connect these statistics to children watching the stressors their parents may be experiencing. Teenage girls have the additional stress of more prevalent negative experiences online, such as being bullied, finding harmful information, and negatively comparing themselves to others. Through a grant from the Women & Girls Fund, For All Seasons hopes to convene multiple generations of women in a campaign, "Anxiety – Let's Talk About It," to provide education about this important topic.

On February 10 at 7 p.m., the agency will host a FREE lecture through FaceBook live stream and limited in-person seating at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, MD about the anxiety challenge teen girls face. For All Seasons' CEO, Beth Anne Langrell, and Chief Clinical Officer, Lesa Lee, will present the ways we can support adolescent girls on their journey to wellness. With knowledge and strategies, young women can gain the tools they need not just to survive, but to thrive.

For All Seasons also has released tools for the following key messages, including downloadable materials from the Center for Learning and video content. The campaign's five key messages can help teenage girls manage their anxiety on their journey to feeling stronger and better than ever.

•             When Anxiety appears – ask yourself WHY? Recognizing when anxiety appears and understanding why it happens can help you stay in control of overwhelming feelings.

•             I am not my anxiety. It's important to recognize your anxiety as the feelings you experience, not who you are.

•             Mindfulness helps to reduce anxiety. Pause and take a few slow breaths. Practice being present and grounded in the moment.

•             Social Media can stir up anxiety. Consider how social media makes you feel. Ask yourself – How does this impact my life?

•             Self-care is not selfish. Find time for the activities that make you calm and happy.