Teen Anxiety Symptoms: What Does Inside Out 2 Teach You About Mental Health and Anxiety in Teens?

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Updated on June 17, 2024 at 07:48 IST

Disney's latest film, Inside Out 2, is being praised for tackling the subject of teenage anxiety. It's the sequel that follows Riley from the original film through adolescence and introduces a new emotion to battle Joy for supremacy in the emotional “headquarters” of her brain: anxiety. Read on to find out more.

Inside Out 2 is a coming-of-age action comedy-drama – a sequel that follows Riley from the original film through adolescence.

Anxiety is now one of the most common disorders among adolescents worldwide. According to statistics, between 1 in 10 and 1 in 13 young boys and girls suffer from anxiety, and approximately 8% of children suffer from an anxiety disorder. Experts say adolescence is typically under significant stress and that has gotten worse during the pandemic.

Mental health crises among adolescents are skyrocketing and scaring their families, and according to the U.S. surgeon general, it is “the defining public health crisis of our time.” Into this environment comes the latest Hollywood release In reverse 2, a coming-of-age action comedy-drama – a sequel that follows Riley from the original film through adolescence and introduces a new emotion to battle Joy for supremacy in the emotional “headquarters” of her brain : anxiety.

According to experts, the film presents an eye-opening depiction of the importance of sadness for children. Film critics write that anxiety not only keeps Riley from sleeping, but is the main antagonist of the film because it separates her from her inner self. Before Anxiety came along, Riley was confident, kind, devoted to her friends, and generally a good person.

However, in the film, Riley overcomes her anxiety and accepts that it is part of who she is.

Mental health experts say that while feeling anxious is part of the normal range of emotions, like feeling angry or embarrassed, anxiety does not last and goes away on its own. But for some, it can become intense and prevent them from doing everyday things.

Signs and Symptoms of Teen Anxiety

Here are some signs and symptoms of anxiety that teenagers may experience:

Constant worries
Feeling irritable or nervous
Feeling restless
Feeling exhausted and exhausted
Constant fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Sleep problems that can lead to insomnia
Muscle tension
Headache
Stomach aches and pains

How to Help Your Teenagers Overcome Anxiety as a Parent

According to mental health experts, parents can help their young children overcome or manage episodes of anxiety by:

Be sure to acknowledge your teen's fears and emotions. Don't ignore it or dismiss it by scolding them. Experts suggest taking your children's emotions seriously and always listening to them.
Let your teenagers know that other children are anxious too. Don't label your teens with negative labels like shy or anxious.
Make sure to start with a certain level of exposure – slowly building up to worry, but providing positive reinforcement for tasks and social activities that worry them.
Love your child and give him empathy
Always take time to talk to your child daily
Encourage healthy eating, physical activity and good sleep habits
Try to strengthen your relationship with your teenagers
If you need more help, contact your pediatrician's trusted psychologist or a counselor for more support.