For teenagers, anxiety may not always show up in traditional ways. Teens are experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes, which can make it tricky to tell the difference between normal adolescent behavior and signs of anxiety. Let’s take a closer look at common signs of anxiety in teens and suggestions on how to help.
1. Unexplained Physical Complaints
It’s easy to overlook physical symptoms as signs of anxiety. However, anxiety often manifests physically, and teens may complain of feeling nauseous, dizzy, or having tightness in their chest. They might not always understand these feelings, and they might chalk it up to having a cold or too much schoolwork.
What You Can Do: If a teen is frequently experiencing physical symptoms with no clear medical cause, it’s worth exploring their emotional state. Encouraging them to talk about any stressors, whether related to school, social life, or family, can help identify the root cause.
2. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Anxiety can interfere with a teen’s sleep in several ways. They might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Some teens may turn to their phones or stay up late because they feel restless . Others may oversleep or have nightmares that interrupt their rest.
What You Can Do: Helping teens establish a consistent sleep routine is key. Also, have open discussions about what’s troubling them at night—whether it’s schoolwork, friends, or relationship stress.
3. Increased Mood Swings
When a teen is anxious, they might become irritable or moody, sometimes snapping at friends, family members, or even themselves. Anxiety can make teens feel overwhelmed and out of control, and this frustration often comes out as irritability. These mood swings might be mistaken for normal teenage behavior, but they’re often a signal that anxiety is at play.
What You Can Do: Instead of labeling these mood swings as “just teenage drama,” take a moment to listen. Provide a safe, non-judgmental space for them to express what’s on their mind.
4. Avoidance
Teens experiencing anxiety may avoid people, places, and activities that used to be a source of joy or interest. Teens can show avoidant behavior by skipping school, dodging social events, or quitting extracurricular activities. The fear of not performing well or feeling socially out of place can make these situations seem overwhelming.
What You Can Do: Encourage gradual exposure to the situations that are being avoided. Rather than forcing a teen to face their anxiety all at once, help them take small steps.
5. Excessive Worrying About the Future
Teens can become overwhelmed with worries about things that may or may not happen. They might worry about applying college or facing the transition of a long distance relationship. This constant worrying can cause them to lose focus and feel stuck, making it difficult to complete tasks or feel confident in their decisions.
What You Can Do: Encourage problem-solving rather than worrying. Offering your time and attention to help them accomplish to-do list tasks can go a long way. Teach mindfulness strategies to stay grounded in the present moment.
6. Changes in Social Behavior
Social withdrawal is a common sign of anxiety in teens. They might isolate themselves from friends or family members, preferring to be alone rather than participate in group activities. Social anxiety, in particular, can make teens worry about how they’re being perceived by others or fear judgment from their peers.
What You Can Do: Encourage social interactions that are low pressure and comfortable for the teen. Offer support for them to rebuild social connections at their own pace.
Next Steps
Recognizing the signs of anxiety and providing early intervention can help prevent more severe mental health challenges down the road. Working with a therapist can also provide the support needed to help teens navigate their anxiety. If you’re in need of a therapist to guide you and your teen through their anxiety, we are here to help! To find more information and to contact us, visiting our contact page.
Disclaimer: Our content is on and related to the topic of mental health. The content is general information that may or may not apply to you. The content is not a substitute for professional services. This website does not contain professional advice, nor is any professional-client relationship established with you through your use of this website.
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