How could a teenager w/ anxiety disorder cope if he, himself is too shy to let his parents be concerned?

Tough question, no easy answer. It's too difficult to "cope" with. It becomes all consuming and can take over your life. A teenager has enough to "cope" with. Part of the disorder is not thinking clearly or rationally. His parents have a responsibility to get him the help/counseling he needs. I would suggest the teen join a teen group therapy, but if he is that shy, it might not be practical. At some point, the parents are going to need to intervene, shyness and anxiety disorders can be crippling. In the meantime, get some books/cd's on relaxation techniques, they do work but take effort and focus. Good luck and I hope I helped.

If you find that you can't talk to your parents about this, you have several options. You could write it out for them, if that is an easier way to communicate. If you need help, perhaps asking an adult that you trust to help you talk to your parents is something that could work. Anxiety disorder can be controlled, with meds and therapy. You need your parents to help you find a doctor that will work with you. I also have anxiety disorder, it can be debilitating when it's out of control. What you are refering to as shyness usually is a form of fear of judgment. You are worth helping, and worth listening to. Good luck to you, you can do this.

I certainly would hope that the parents are aware enough to recognize when their child has something wrong with him/her. If not, then it may be time for family therapy as well. The majority of parents are always concerned about their child/children, and this doesn't stop even after they have grown up and left home. This is what parenting is all about, and it never ends. I have never met a child yet that didn't first go to mom or dad with any problem they had. This is what family is all about.

A teenager should not have to cope with anxiety orders at all. There is no reason to be shy about talking to your parents about this. Your parents would rather you tell them now, and get you the help you need. I am sure they would want to see you living a happy, anxiety-free life. Everyone deserves at least that!!

Agree with the other poster. Trying to cope with an anxiety disorder without an outside source can be tough. Try joining a group, relaxation techniques, and finding ways to cope that make you less anxious.

The teen years is normally where anxiety can be serious. You are not there yet. A little anxiety will help you realize how you are affected by everything around you.