Understanding Teen Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know
Anxiety in teenagers looks different than anxiety in children and adults. Teens face unique pressures that mainly manifest as behaviors because they’re going through major brain developments at this age. You might notice your teen becoming more irritable or withdrawn, but these behaviors can easily be dismissed as typical teenage moodiness. As a parent, recognizing these signs early can help you support your teen through this challenging time.
What Teen Anxiety Looks Like
Teenagers are often better at hiding their fears than younger children, which makes anxiety harder to spot. However, these are patterns to watch out for:
avoiding new situations
difficulty concentrating in school
heightened sensitivity to criticism
physical complaints, such as frequent stomach aches or headaches
refusing to attend school
seeking constant reassurance from others
showing extreme self-consciousness
sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping
substance use
withdrawing from friends
What Causes Anxiety in Teens
Every teen’s situation is unique and presents its own challenges. However, there are some struggles that are almost universal at this stage of life.
Academics
Modern teenagers put high expectations on themselves at school, with many teens feeling they must excel at everything. Their parents can also fuel this particular anxiety. Perfectionism around school success can create a constant fear of failure.
The Internet
Social media and internet culture significantly worsen anxiety for many teens. During puberty, when their bodies are already changing, teens compare themselves to unrealistic beauty standards online. They may feel inadequate if their physical development happens faster or slower than their peers’.
Online bullying and harassment present another major source of anxiety. Unlike traditional bullying at school, cyberbullying is less visible to adults but can feel no less inescapable (in some cases, even more). Teens worry constantly about how others perceive them and fear doing something embarrassing that could be filmed and shared online, potentially going viral.
Developmental Changes
The teenage years involve navigating complex social dynamics while developing an identity and building self-esteem. These developmental challenges, combined with hormonal changes and increasing responsibilities, can all contribute to anxiety.
How You Can Help Your Anxious Teen
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to support an anxious teen in your life. Below are some good starting points.
Talk to Them
Start by opening an honest conversation about anxiety. If you have experienced anxiety yourself, share your story. This vulnerability shows your teen that anxiety is manageable and nothing to be ashamed of. Let them know you are a safe person to talk to without judgment.
Be a Role Model
Model healthy coping mechanisms in your own life. Show your teen how you handle stressful situations with confidence rather than withdrawing or turning to unhealthy behaviors. Demonstrate self-care, positive self-talk, and constructive problem-solving.
Incorporate Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Teach your teen practical relaxation techniques like mindful breathing and grounding exercises. These tools give them concrete ways to calm their nervous system when anxiety spikes. Practice these techniques together so they feel comfortable using them independently.
Put Limits on Screens
Address social media use directly. Encourage regular breaks from phones and computers, and set reasonable limits on screen time. Monitor their online activity and have ongoing conversations about what they encounter online.
Build Up Their Self-Esteem
Find what they love to do and nurture it. Encourage participation in activities that build confidence and reduce stress, whether that is exercise, creative pursuits, or spending time in nature. Physical activity is particularly effective at reducing anxiety symptoms.
Professional Help Is Available
If your teen’s anxiety interferes with daily functioning, causes significant distress, or persists despite your best efforts to help, counseling for teens can help. We specialize in working with anxious teens and can provide evidence-based treatment tailored to your teen’s unique needs.
You do not have to navigate your teen’s anxiety alone. Contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.