Links Between Teen Anxiety And Depression

Often we see a teen who has both anxiety and depression. It is important to tease out which came first because long term depression can lead to a teen presenting with anxiety. Their depression has undermined their ability to perform at school academically, or navigate the social waters in the hallway or classroom or they can no longer engage in after school activities.

This can lead to them feeling overwhelmed which will present as anxiety. It’s the chicken or the egg scenario, as which is causing which? Which came first? The same is true for long term anxiety, as it too prevents a teen from doing the normal things their peers or friends are doing.

After many months, it can become depressing for a teen to even consider stepping out and doing a normal adolescent life. A skilled therapist can determine what is primary and what is secondary and how to proceed with an effective counseling plan of treatment.