Anxiety in teenagers

3-minute read

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can affect anyone. Sometimes, if anxiety becomes overwhelming and doesn’t go away, it can be a sign of a more serious anxiety disorder. However, with treatment and support from family and friends, anxiety can be managed.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is the feeling you get when you feel tense, when you might breathe a little fast, when your heart starts to race, and when you’re worried about the situation you’re in or what might come next.

A bit of anxiety from time to time is normal, especially for teenagers. It can help with motivation around school, sport or work, and can help keep them out of danger. But if these anxious feelings don’t go away, they can interfere with concentrating at school, socialising with friends or enjoying life.

How does anxiety affect teenagers?

Anxiety disorders can be especially serious for young people, because they are still developing. If left untreated, anxiety disorders in teenagers can have long-term effects that can continue into adulthood. Signs of an anxiety disorder include:

feeling constantly agitated, tense, or restless
having physical signs, including sore muscles, a racing heart, sweating, headache, stomach aches or shortness of breath
being sensitive to criticism or extremely self-conscious
having unhelpful, irrational and negative thoughts
always expecting the worst to happen
avoiding difficult or new situations
being withdrawn
having trouble concentrating and starting or finishing schoolwork
having trouble sleeping

Types of anxiety in teenagers

Not all teenagers will have the same symptoms. There are many different types of anxiety disorders that teenagers can experience, including:

By talking to a health professional, a treatment plan can be made to suit your specific condition, or your child’s.

Treating anxiety in teenagers

Anxiety treatments for teenage mental health can range from simple lifestyle changes to counselling techniques.

For people with mild-to-moderate anxiety, treatment might include:

a healthy lifestyle – exercise, eat well, get enough sleep
dealing with any issues causing anxiety, whether that be homework, relationships, sexuality or anything else
reducing stress levels through mindfulness, meditation or relaxation
using online forums such as ReachOut and Youth Beyond Blue
using e-therapies such as the BRAVE self-help program

For more severe anxiety, treatments might include:

psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour therapy or counselling
medical treatments such as antidepressants

Where to get help

Dealing with anxiety during your teenage years can be tough but it can be easier if you seek help. Talk to your doctor, (search for a doctor in your region), or see below for online programs and tools that can help.

ReachOut.com's ReachOut Worry Time App can help to control everyday worries and anxieties.
The Brave Program for Teenagers provides teenagers with information and skills to help cope with worries and anxiety.