- Medical Communication Intern, Summer 2025 Cohort
Teenage years are a rollercoaster — emotionally, socially, and physically. Today’s teens face an overwhelming mix of academic pressure, social media, and uncertainty about the future. It’s no surprise that anxiety in teenagers is on the rise.
WHO estimates that anxiety disorders affect about one in ten adolescents
globally; yet, many go unnoticed or are brushed off as "just teen
drama." As a parent or caregiver, knowing what to look for — and when to
act — can make a world of difference.
What is
teen anxiety, really?
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress or danger — the “fight or flight” instinct. But when
that response gets triggered too often, too easily, or without a clear reason,
it can become a problem.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), anxiety disorders in teens involve intense, excessive fear
that doesn't go away on their own — and they interfere with school and personal
relations.
Common types of anxiety in teens include:
I. Generalized Anxiety Disorder – constant worry about many aspects of
life
II. Social Anxiety Disorder – fear of being judged or embarrassed in
public
III. Panic Disorder – sudden, intense bouts of fear (panic attacks)
IV. Phobias – irrational fears of specific things (e.g., needles,
elevators)
V. Separation Anxiety – fear of being apart from loved ones
Warning Signs Parents Shouldn’t Miss:
1. Constant worrying or overthinking
Your teen might seem stuck in their head — worrying about school,
relationships, or the future — and it never seems to stop. It might seem out of
proportion to what’s going on.
A teen with anxiety may start dodging school, refusing to go to events,
or even avoiding friends. This is especially true with social anxiety or panic
disorder.
Stomach aches, headaches, chest pain, or even dizziness can all be signs
of anxiety. These aren’t made up — anxiety can physically affect the body.
Struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently, or feeling tired all
the time despite a full night’s sleep can be signs that something’s bothering
your teen mentally.
An anxious teen might snap more easily or seem more agitated. While mood
changes are part of being a teen, persistent irritability can be a clue to
deeper struggles.
Some teens push themselves relentlessly, fearing any mistake. While
ambition is healthy, constant self-criticism or burnout may signal anxiety.
Eating much more or much less than usual, or unexplained weight changes,
can also be linked to anxiety or emotional stress.
Why Parents Should Take These Signs Seriously
Ignoring these signs or dismissing them as “just a phase” can delay
necessary intervention.
Early identification and appropriate treatment can significantly improve
outcomes. Left untreated, anxiety disorders can persist into adulthood and
increase the risk of substance abuse, self-harm, or suicide.
When to Seek Professional Help
Consult a mental health professional when:
●
Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
●
Anxiety starts to interfere with school or personal life
●
Your teen expresses feelings of hopelessness or talks about
self-harm
What Help Looks Like
1.
Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps teens recognize and manage
anxious thoughts and behaviours. It’s research-backed and widely considered the
gold standard in treatment.
2. Medication
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety
medications may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases but should always be
managed by a licensed psychiatrist.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Regular sleep, physical activity, healthy meals, reducing screen time
and practicing breathing exercises can help in the long run.
Guide Your Teen
You don’t need to have all the answers. What your teen needs most is to
feel safe, heard, and not judged.
• Ask open-ended questions.
• Avoid dismissing their feelings with “just relax” or “you’ll be
fine.”
• Keep communication consistent, even if they push back.
“Parents can be their teen’s first line of defense.” Knowing when to lean in — and when to get help — can change a young person’s life.
Final Thought
Teen anxiety isn’t just a phase. It's a real and growing concern. As a
parent, your job isn’t to “fix” everything — but to listen, observe, and act
when needed. The earlier anxiety is recognized and addressed, the better the
chances for a happy, healthy future.
Resources
[WHO – Adolescent Mental Health](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health)
[CDC – Anxiety and Depression in Children](https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/features/anxiety-depression-children.html)
[Mayo Clinic – Teen Anxiety](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961)
[Cleveland Clinic – Anxiety in Teens](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9632-anxiety-disorders)
[NHS – Anxiety in Children and Teens](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/anxiety-in-children/)
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