What Does Anxiety in Teens Look Like? Signs and Support
- Liz Calley
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Anxiety in teens often looks very different from anxiety in younger children—and it’s usually less obvious than parents expect. While adolescence naturally comes with emotional ups and downs, persistent anxiety is not “just a phase” or normal teenage moodiness. Brushing it off can leave struggles unnoticed, which may lead to bigger challenges later.
Common Symptoms of Teen Anxiety
Physical Symptoms
Stomach aches, nausea, or headaches
Muscle tension, restlessness, or fidgeting
Racing heart, shortness of breath, or sweaty palms
Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
Fatigue or low energy
Emotional Symptoms
Excessive worry about school, friends, or the future
Irritability, mood swings, or tearfulness
Low self-confidence or fear of making mistakes
Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge”
Sensitivity to criticism or rejection
Behavioural Symptoms
Avoiding school, social events, or new experiences
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
Procrastination or perfectionism
Withdrawing from friends or hobbies
Seeking constant reassurance from others
Teens may also mask anxiety with anger, defiance, or avoidance—making it harder to recognise.
It’s Not “Just a Phase”
A common misconception is that teen anxiety is simply part of growing up. While mood swings are normal, persistent anxiety is different.
The truth? Teen anxiety is real, valid, and treatable. With the right support, young people can learn to manage their worries and thrive.
Growing Up in Today’s World
Being a teenager has never been easy—but today’s world brings extra pressures.
Teens are balancing academic demands, changing friendships, and uncertainty about the future—all while figuring out who they are. Add the ever-changing world of social media, where comparison is constant and being “always on” makes it harder to switch off, and it’s no surprise many feel overwhelmed.
These modern stressors can intensify anxiety, especially when teens believe they’re falling short or missing out. Recognising these challenges helps us support them more effectively.
How Parents Can Support Teens with Anxiety
You don’t need all the answers to help your teen—what matters most is understanding and creating a safe, supportive space. Here are some practical steps:
Listen and Validate – Acknowledge their feelings without judgment. “It sounds like you’re feeling really overwhelmed” can be powerful.
Encourage Small Steps – Break challenges down, and celebrate progress over perfection.
Teach Coping Tools – Try deep breathing, grounding, mindfulness, or creative outlets like journalling, art, or sport.
Model Healthy Responses – Show calm problem-solving and talk openly about your own feelings.
Maintain Routines – Consistent sleep, meals, and activity help reduce overall anxiety.
Seek Professional Support – Therapy or counselling can provide long-term strategies. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Avoid Minimising – Phrases like “just calm down” or “it’s nothing” can make things worse. Instead, guide them toward solutions.
By listening, validating, and offering tools, parents can help teens manage anxiety and build real resilience.
My Approach to Supporting Teens
Every teen is unique, so I start by getting to know what makes them tick. Tailoring coping strategies to their interests helps them connect with the tools.
One teen who loved baking created a “recipe for calm”—a step-by-step toolkit for managing anxious thoughts.
Another, a passionate footballer, learned to treat intrusive thoughts as a “noisy opposition fan.” Together, we built strategies to put that fan firmly back in the stands.
Over time, both saw their confidence grow—not just in managing anxiety, but in other areas of life too.
Final Thoughts
Teen anxiety isn’t something they’ll simply “grow out of.” By recognising the signs and tailoring support to their world, we can help them not just cope—but flourish.
💬 If you’d like to explore how I can support your teen, fill out an enquiry form here to book a free, no-obligation discovery call. Let’s help your teen build resilience and confidence for the future.
