What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal part of life and can affect anyone. In teenagers, anxiety can help with motivation at school, sport or work.

If anxious feelings don't go away, they can interfere with school, socialising with friends and enjoying life. Signs like these can indicate an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder can also make your teenager experience worry that is out of proportion to a situation.

With treatment and support from family and friends, anxiety can be managed.

What are the types of anxiety conditions that can affect teenagers?

Not all teenagers will have the same symptoms. There are different types of anxiety disorders. Some of these include:

• social anxiety disorder
• generalised anxiety disorder
• specific phobias
• panic disorder
• agoraphobia
• separation anxiety
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

What are the symptoms of anxiety in teenagers?

Anxiety can affect each teenager differently.

Symptoms can include:

• feeling agitated, tense or restless
• being withdrawn, sensitive to criticism or self-conscious
• always worrying about things that aren't likely to happen
• avoiding situations that make you anxious
• having trouble concentrating and starting or finishing schoolwork
• having trouble sleeping or changed eating habits
• worrying about the past, present and future

Physical symptoms of anxiety can include:

• shortness of breath and a racing heart
• feeling dizzy
• sweating
• shaking
• feeling 'butterflies' in your stomach
• headaches and other aches and pains (especially in your neck, shoulders and back)
• jitteriness and chewing of nails or picking at skin

What causes anxiety in teenagers?

Teenagers can experience anxiety for many reasons, including:

• pressure at school or in sport
• societal pressure
• relationship problems, including with friends and family
• stressful situations, like the loss of a loved one
• trauma and abuse

Teenagers may have a higher chance of developing an anxiety disorder if they have a family history of anxiety.

When should teenagers see a doctor about anxiety?

Anxiety disorders can start during the teenage years. If your teenager's anxiety symptoms are impacting their everyday life, talk to their doctor.

If you need to talk to someone about your mental health, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

How is anxiety in teenagers diagnosed?

Your teenager will be asked about their symptoms and how the symptoms affect their daily life. Your doctor will ask about their general health, lifestyle and any medicines they are taking.

Your doctor may also do a physical examination.

How is anxiety in teenagers treated?

If your teenager has anxiety, their doctor can refer them to a mental health professional. This could be a:

• psychiatrist
• psychologist
• counsellor

A mental health professional can make a treatment plan for your teenager.

Treatment for anxiety disorders in teenagers may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychological therapy that can be tailored to teenagers. It can be done face-to-face or online.

Self-care at home

Teenagers can also make some lifestyle changes to help manage anxiety. They can:

• get regular physical activity
• eat well
• reduce their caffeine intake
• avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol
• get enough sleep
• reduce their stress levels through mindfulness, meditation or relaxation
• do breathing exercises

Breathing exercises might include the 4-7-8 technique. This involves:

• breathing in for 4 seconds
• holding their breath for 7 seconds
• exhaling for 8 seconds

Medicines

Rarely, medicines may be recommended to help treat anxiety in teenagers.

What are the complications of anxiety

Untreated anxiety can keep your teenager from having important experiences for their development. It can also make it difficult for them to make important decisions as they approach adulthood.

If left untreated, anxiety disorders can have long-term effects in adulthood. These might include depression and suicidal thoughts.

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, call triple zero (000).

Can anxiety in teenagers be prevented?

If anxiety is interfering with your teenager's life, seeking help can help prevent an anxiety disorder worsening or generalising to another mental health condition. Seeing your doctor is a good place to start.

Resources and support

Dealing with anxiety as a teenager can be tough but it can be easier if they seek help. You can talk to your doctor and search for a doctor in your region.

For more information on online programs and tools for anxiety in teenagers, you can visit the following resources.

• The Brave Program for Teenagers provides teenagers with information and skills to help cope with worries and anxiety.
• headspace provides information and support for 12 to 25-year-olds with anxiety.
• The This Way Up website has digital mental health treatments and online programs.
• ReachOut has resources to help manage everyday worries and anxieties.
• Beyond Blue has resources on mental health and runs online forums — you can also call on 1300 22 4636 or chat online 24/7.
• Lifeline provides crisis support — call 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Kids Helpline has information on anxiety and specific information for teens and parents. Call for support anytime, for any reason on 1800 55 1800. There is also a WebChat service available 24 hours a day.

For advice and to get connected to local mental health services, call Head to Health on 1800 595 212. Check the operating times.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.