How to Tell If Your Teen Has Real Anxiety or Normal Nervousness

Parenting Anxious Teens: How to Build Confidence Instead of Fear | Dana Colthart Does your teen avoid challenges, shut down under pressure, or constantly seek reassurance? It can be hard to know whether they're simply nervous or struggling with anxiety—and many of the ways parents naturally try to help can actually make anxiety worse. In this episode, Dr. Cam sits down with licensed clinical social worker Dana Colthart, who specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, panic disorders, and eating disorders, to discuss practical strategies for supporting anxious teens. Together, they explain why avoidance strengthens anxiety, how parents can validate their teen's fears without reinforcing them, and what it really takes to build resilience and confidence. If you're tired of watching your teen struggle and wondering how to help without making things worse, this episode offers expert guidance and actionable tools.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE How to recognize when your teen's anxiety has become avoidance—and why that matters Why reassurance and accommodation often make teen anxiety worse instead of better How to validate your teen's fears while helping them build confidence through discomfort Simple parenting strategies that support resilience without increasing anxiety   🎧❤️ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Don't keep it to yourself! Share your favorite episode and leave a rating and review to help other parents find the support they need. Your feedback helps me create even more episodes filled with practical tips for you and your family! Thanks so much for your support! 🙏💫 🔔 Remember to hit SUBSCRIBE so you never miss another solution-packed episode! 🙌   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Cognitive Diffusion Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)   CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST: Dana Colthart Website: https://www.danacolthart.com Practice: Clear Light Therapy New Jersey   CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST: Dr. Cam Caswell Website: askdrcam.com Instagram: @DrCamCaswell TikTok: @the.teen.translator YouTube: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Facebook: @DrCamCaswell   EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Teen Anxiety and Avoidance 02:54 The Role of Diagnosis in Treatment 05:42 Identifying and Addressing Avoidance Behaviors 08:36 Mistakes Parents Make in Supporting Anxious Teens 11:20 The Importance of Communication and Support 14:18 Navigating Self-Defeating Thoughts 17:02 The Power of Diffusion Techniques 20:02 Building Patience and Understanding 22:46 Managing Urgency and Expectations 25:32 Creating a Safe Space for Recovery 28:30 The Role of Parental Support in Treatment 31:23 Final Thoughts and Resources   ABOUT THE SHOW The Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam Podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the challenges of raising teenagers. Hosted by Dr. Cam Caswell, an adolescent psychologist and certified parenting coach, this podcast offers practical parenting strategies, expert advice, and real-world insights to help you build a stronger relationship with your teen and support their emotional growth. Whether you're struggling with teenage behavior or looking to improve communication, each episode provides actionable tips to make parenting teens easier and more rewarding. Perfect for both new and seasoned parents, this podcast helps you build the confidence to handle teen challenges and thrive together. #theteentranslator #drcamcaswell #parentingteenswithdrcam #TeenAnxiety #MentalHealth