How to Talk to Your Teen about Social Anxiety Disorder

[Daniel E.]

How to Talk to Your Teen About SAD
About.com Social Anxiety Disorder Blog
By Arlin Cuncic

November 2, 2009

If you suspect that your teenager may suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD), it can be hard to know what to do and how to bring the topic up in conversation. Dr. Steven Richfield, a child psychologist and author, provides the following tips to broach the topic of social anxiety with a teenager.

• Be Curious. There is nothing more off-putting to a teenager than a parent who seems meddlesome and concerned. Instead, talk with your teen from a curious perspective to learn more about how she is feeling.
• Talk Openly. Your teen may be embarrassed by the topic but that doesn't mean that you should be. Be as calm and direct as you can to encourage further conversation.
• Challenge Your Teen. It is never too late to overcome social anxiety. Suggest that your teen start with peers who seem open and approachable when taking those difficult first steps.
• Encourage Cultural Literacy. Suggest that your teen become aware of what is popular; music, television, movies, clothes, sports, school clubs and social networking sites are good topics of conversation.

Above all else, remember that your teen is an individual. If she prefers reading books to wild parties, that is her prerogrative. However, when self-imposed isolation interferes with the natural socialization process, it may be time to step in.