Understanding Teen Anxiety: What It Is and How We Can Help

Ryan Farah
Apr 11
2 min read

“Why Do I Feel Like This?”

Teen anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before a test or shy in a crowd. For many teens, it’s a daily battle against racing thoughts, tight chests, and overwhelming fear—often without understanding why.

In today’s fast-paced, always-online world, anxiety is becoming one of the most common mental health issues among teenagers. And yet, it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

What Is Anxiety, Really?

Anxiety is a normal part of life. But when it becomes excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily activities, it may be an anxiety disorder.

Types of anxiety that commonly affect teens include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Constant worry about everyday things
Social Anxiety: Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings
Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks with no clear trigger
Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations
Separation Anxiety: Fear of being apart from loved ones (especially in younger teens)

Symptoms of Anxiety in Teens

Not all teens will say, “I feel anxious.” Instead, they might show it through:

Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
Avoiding school or social events
Irritability or mood swings
Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue
Overthinking or perfectionism
Sudden drop in grades or motivation

“Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks,” says Dr. Mina Hall, a clinical child psychologist. “Sometimes it looks like a quiet teen who just doesn’t want to leave their room.”

What Causes Teen Anxiety?

There’s no single cause—but several common triggers include:

Academic pressure and fear of failure
Social media and online comparison
Family stress or parental conflict
Trauma or sudden life changes
Genetics and brain chemistry
Lack of sleep, poor diet, or no physical activity

For many teens, it’s a mix of internal pressure and external stress.

How to Help a Teen with Anxiety

🗣️ Open the Conversation

Don’t wait for them to come to you. Ask how they’re feeling—not just how their day was. Listen, validate, and avoid phrases like “just relax” or “stop overthinking.”

🧠 Encourage Professional Help

Therapists, school counselors, and pediatricians can all be part of the support team. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is especially effective for anxiety in teens.

🛠️ Teach Healthy Coping Tools

Deep breathing and mindfulness
Journaling and creative outlets
Physical activity or movement
Limiting screen time and digital detox breaks
Grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method

🛏️ Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Sleep, diet, and exercise directly impact anxiety levels. Help teens establish a routine that includes rest, movement, and downtime.

💙 Be Their Safe Place

Sometimes the best gift you can give a teen is simply being there—without pressure or judgment.