Contributed by Mountain Valley Treatment Center
Dr. Dan Villiers, co-founder of Mountain Valley Treatment Center, recently delivered an insightful talk at the center, exploring the intricacies of anxiety in young people and the profound impact it has on their families. This blog post summarizes the key points from his presentation, offering valuable strategies to help youths and their families navigate anxiety. If you are interested in viewing the full video of Dr. Villiers’ talk, please contact us.
The Silent Struggle: Understanding Youth Anxiety
In an era marked by unprecedented challenges and rapid societal shifts, anxiety has emerged as a pervasive force affecting young people and their families. The rise in anxiety disorders, particularly since the advent of the smartphone in 2010 and exacerbated by the global pandemic, calls for a nuanced understanding and compassionate treatment approach. Dr. Villiers provides invaluable insights into the complexities of anxiety and the pathways to healing.
Anxiety in young people often manifests subtly, weaving itself into daily life until it becomes overwhelming. Dr. Villiers shared his personal journey, reflecting on his severe anxiety at age 17 after leaving boarding school. His experiences with avoidance, resistance, and manipulation highlight a common thread among youths grappling with anxiety—they often resist treatment and delay or avoid confronting their fears.
The statistics are startling. Recent research indicates that approximately 30 percent of individuals will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. However, Dr. Villiers suggests that true diagnostic anxiety disorders—those severely interfering with social, emotional, and academic functioning—may affect about 7 to 10 percent of the population. This distinction underscores the importance of recognizing when anxiety surpasses normal stress and becomes a debilitating condition requiring professional intervention.
Parental Anxiety: The Hidden Catalyst
Parental anxiety plays a significant role in the treatment journey of young people. Parents often face guilt, fear of failure, and the overwhelming responsibility of making the right decisions for their child’s well-being. Dr. Villiers observed that parental anxiety can manifest as distraction, diversion, delay, anger, and defensiveness—factors that may inadvertently hinder their child’s progress.
During the pandemic, many parents overparented due to constant proximity and the challenges of remote schooling. As the world gradually returns to normal, some parents struggle to relinquish control, leading to indecision and anxiety about their child’s independence and engagement with the world.
The Paradox of Choice and the Fear of Stigma
In today’s information-rich environment, parents often feel overwhelmed by the numerous treatment options available. This “paralysis by analysis” results in inaction, as the fear of making the wrong decision prevents families from moving forward. Societal stigma surrounding mental health adds another layer of complexity. Worries about how treatment might be perceived can deter families from seeking necessary help.
Strategies for Overcoming Resistance and Building Trust
Dr. Villiers emphasized that commitment to treatment is a process, not a single event. Building trust between families and professionals is crucial. He shared key strategies to facilitate this journey...Read the full article at MountainValleyTreatment.org.
Mountain Valley Treatment Center
A nationally recognized evidence-based treatment center for adolescents and emerging adults (ages 13–20) suffering from anxiety and OCD. Located along the New Hampshire bank of the Connecticut River, in close proximity to Hanover, NH and Woodstock, VT, Mountain Valley Treatment Center stands apart from like providers because of its specialization, unique setting, and comprehensive approach to care. Learn More >
