NexStep Teen Academy

Author Archives: Executive Director Hannah Carr, LPC

  • Teen showing distress while a caregiver offers support, illustrating separation anxiety in teens and its emotional impact.

    Understanding Separation Anxiety in Teens

    Separation anxiety is a normal part of development. It usually occurs in infants when they are separated from their primary caregiver. Symptoms of separation anxiety in children typically improve by the time they are three years old. However, the symptoms can persist through your child’s teen years and well into adulthood.  Separation anxiety disorder causes …

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  • Teen leaning against wall showing emotional distress, common signs of trauma in teens affecting mood and behavior.

    Common Signs of Trauma in Teens

    Trauma is a strong emotional reaction to a disturbing event. While strong responses are normal, some teens may feel “stuck” or unable to move on. This difficulty can disrupt their daily routines or normal functioning. Research indicates that about 14% to 43% of boys and 15% to 43% of girls experience a form of trauma. Teens …

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  • Split image showing two sides of a teen, one calm and one distressed, representing common signs of bipolar disorder in teens.

    Most Common Signs of Bipolar Disorder in Teens

    Did you know that around 2.9% of teenagers in the United States have bipolar disorder? However, this number could be much higher. According to Mental Health America, an estimated one-third of teens with depression may actually have bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is underrecognized and underdiagnosed among teenagers.  In fact, bipolar disorder was rarely diagnosed in teenagers until …

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  • Teen sitting distressed on floor while parents argue in background, reflecting signs of repressed childhood trauma in teens.

    Signs of Repressed Childhood Trauma in Teens

    Did you know that about 80.5% of teenagers have experienced an adverse childhood experience (ACE)? These experiences are often referred to as childhood trauma. They include experiences like physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Based on the statistics, it is likely that your teenager has experienced at least one ACE in their lifetime. Many teenagers who experience …

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  • Teen reflecting while reading, symbolizing trauma coping skills, emotional healing, mindfulness, and recovery.

    Trauma Coping Skills for Teens

    Trauma is an extreme emotional and psychological disturbance caused by an event. Teens who undergo physical and emotional abuse or major life changes like the loss of a loved one may experience trauma. Findings show that 1% to 6% of boys and 3% to 15% of girls with past trauma develop PTSD. Healthy coping strategies help …

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  • Teen sitting alone with a smartphone; shows the connection between social media and teen depression and effects on wellbeing.

    The Connection Between Social Media & Teen Depression

    Social media use has grown significantly since its introduction and has become a new “normal” among many teens. At least 95% of 13-17-year-olds use social media, with more than 31% reporting “almost constant” use. These platforms are easy to access, making them readily available to adolescents and even younger children with smartphones. With this growing use, …

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  • Parent comforting a distressed teen at home, showing how to support your teen overcoming trauma with empathy and safety.

    How to Support Your Teen Overcoming Trauma

    It is normal to want to support your teen after they have experienced a traumatic event. However, it can be difficult to do this if you do not understand trauma. Trauma is a complicated emotional experience that arises from witnessing distressing events. Traumatic events make teenagers feel unsafe and frightened. They experience intense emotional and …

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  • Teen holding head in distress representing common signs of anxiety in teens such as worry, panic, emotional strain.

    Common Signs of Anxiety in Teens

    Although anxiety is a normal human reaction, anxiety disorders can impair your teen’s life. They often find themselves worrying about everyday things like work or school. These feelings can be concerning.  Anxiety disorders cause teens to experience overwhelming fear and worry about certain people, things, or situations. They can cause your teen to experience severe …

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  • Teen sitting alone indoors reflecting anxiety, representing causes of teen anxiety and guidance for parents on signs.

    Causes of Teen Anxiety & What to Do

    Anxiety is a normal emotional response. It protects us from threatening or dangerous situations. However, many teens experience debilitating impairment caused by anxiety. They feel intense and overwhelming worry about situations or events. Did you know that anxiety affects around 21% of teenagers in the United States? This figure is concerning. As a parent or guardian, you …

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