Adolescence anxiety is on the rise as teens face physical changes, brain development and online pressures.
Watching your child move through the complex years of adolescence can be a mix of pride, confusion and sometimes, deep concern. Knowing what to look for and how to help can make all the difference in preventing your child’s anxiety symptoms from spiralling into more serious mental health problems.
Let’s dive into the signs you should watch for, the common types of adolescent anxiety disorders and how you can support your child every step of the way.
Recognising the signs of anxiety in adolescents
Anxiety doesn’t always look like a panic attack or a child crying in their room. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things: The once-outgoing teenage son who now avoids friends, the young girl whose stomach aches every morning before school or the once-chatty child who suddenly has nothing to say.
Common symptoms of childhood anxiety and adolescent anxiety disorders include:
- Persistent physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches or feeling nauseous
- Avoidance of social situations or sudden school avoidance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Intense self-consciousness or social anxiety around peers
- Panic attacks characterised by a racing heart, dizziness and intense fear
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Irritability and frequent emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from activities they once loved
- Constant fatigue that doesn’t go away with sleep
- Loss of appetite or binge eating
Remember, while anxiety often feels like it’s all in the mind, it deeply affects the body too. If you start noticing unusual physical symptoms in your teen, it’s important to consider that anxiety might be part of the picture.
Although anxiety often becomes more noticeable during adolescence, childhood anxiety disorders can develop much earlier and, if left unaddressed, often continue and intensify into the teenage years. Early understanding and support can make a world of difference.
Common types of anxiety disorders in teens
There are several types of specific anxiety disorders to be aware of during adolescence, each with unique features:
Generalised anxiety disorder
Constant, excessive worry about everyday things like grades, friendships and daily life, often coupled with feelings of hopelessness or defeat.
Social anxiety disorder
Deep fear of judgement in social situations, leading to extreme self-consciousness or avoidance of social environments; sometimes referred to as social phobia.
Panic disorder
Recurring panic attacks that occur unexpectedly, with or without clear triggers.
Separation anxiety disorder
Overwhelming fear of being away from parents or caregivers (not just for younger children; teens can experience this too).
Specific phobia
Intense fear of a specific object or situation, like flying or spiders.
The everyday pressures driving teen anxiety
Adolescents today face pressures we never imagined growing up. Social media creates constant comparison and cyberbullying risks. The pressure for higher levels of academic achievement, early dating and navigating conversations around toxic masculinity for young men or unrealistic beauty standards for girls contribute heavily to mental health conditions.
Biological changes, like growth spurts, reproductive maturity and brain development (especially in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making) heighten emotional responses, intensifying risk-taking behaviours and fear.
Early exposure to substance use is also an issue, as many teens self-medicate to cope with anxiety and social pressures. For teen boys, peer pressure creates an increased risk of more severe psychiatric disorders if not addressed.
How you can help your child
You don’t have to be a psychologist to help your child through adolescence anxiety. Being a compassionate, patient presence is vital. Here are some practical, emotional, everyday approaches:
1. Open the lines of communication
Talk with your child, not at them. Create space for honest conversations without judgement. You might say, “I noticed you seem worried about school lately. Want to talk about it?”
Different approaches may work for different age groups. Younger adolescents might respond to drawing or storytelling, while older adolescents might prefer doing an activity together to make talking easier. Sometimes face-to-face communication feels too intense for teens; a casual setting like a walk, a bike ride, dinner, a movie or a game can help them open up naturally.
2. Normalise and name their feelings
Help your child understand that anxiety symptoms are not a personal failure but a normal reaction to stress or change. Name the experience: “It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed. That’s something we can work through together.”
Be honest about your own struggles if appropriate. Sharing your experiences helps your teen feel less isolated. Remember, rebuilding or earning trust can be necessary, especially if there have been deep rifts or misunderstandings in the past.
3. Introduce calming techniques
Simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness apps can make a huge difference. These tools teach anxious children or teens how to manage intense fear before it escalates to a boiling point.
4. Limit social media and encourage offline activities
Reduce the pressure and comparison trap by setting healthy social media boundaries. Encourage hobbies like painting, sports or just spending time outdoors. Consider introducing “tech-free Saturday” where the day is spent pursuing offline activities, walks in nature or spending time with family. Make the day about reconnection instead of isolation.
5. Make their environment safe
The safety and happiness of your child’s home environment are crucial to their mental health. Children and teens who live in unstable or emotionally “cold” homes experience much higher rates of mental disorders than those in supportive environments.
Ways to know if your home is a safe environment for your child’s anxiety:
- They can talk about big topics without fear.
- You don’t always agree, but they feel heard and validated.
- You respect their need for privacy.
- Arguments stay respectful: No shouting, physical harm or inappropriate punishments.
- Unsafe individuals are not allowed into the home (e.g., abusive ex-partners, coercive family members).
- There’s no pressure to be perfect; mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn.
- You make some decisions together instead of only dictating rules.
- Boundaries and expectations are clear and consistent.
- They feel a sense of belonging, purpose and responsibility within the family.
The risk factors for anxiety in the majority of cases are most significant at home first and then at school second. It’s crucial for you to evaluate these areas for the wellbeing of your child.
6. Seek professional help when needed
If your child’s anxiety interferes with their daily life—like refusing to go to school, isolating from everyone or turning to substances—it’s time to seek professional help for the appropriate treatment.
Options include:
- Consulting a trusted mental health professional or getting referrals from primary care providers.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), one of the most effective therapies for anxiety disorders.
- EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing), a proven therapy for anxiety and trauma.
Unchecked stress and anxiety can escalate into major depression, severe depressive disorders or even suicidal ideation. Science shows that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for teenagers and young adults struggling with mental health conditions. No teen should have to experience anxiety alone.
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