Many parents will tell you they have an angsty teen, but it’s not always clear what teenage angst is, or when it’s a problem. 

So, what is teen angst, and how should parents respond? Angst refers to feelings of anxiety, dread, or insecurity, all of which are quite common for teens. However, sometimes angst can be severe and debilitating, or even a symptom of a more serious anxiety disorder. For that reason, it’s important to know when your child’s angst has crossed over into more dangerous territory, as well as your options for addressing it. 

At The Ridge RTC, we work with adolescents and young adults who struggle with a wide range of mental health conditions, including angst. And below, we’re breaking down the basics of teen angst, including signs that it’s time to seek professional help. 

What is Teen Angst?

Angst is a common phenomenon for teenagers, marked by deep worry and an overall sense of stress. In many cases, it’s perfectly normal and short-lived. But for some, the symptoms of angst – including panic, restlessness, and intrusive thoughts – linger and become more intense over time. 

The reasons that teens are so prone to angst are multi-faceted, ranging from changes in hormones and brain development to struggles with social pressure and identity. The result is a perfect storm of emotional instability, often made worse by the idea that angst is simply par for the course in the teen years. 

Teenage angst can be a sign of anxiety, depression, or another mental health disorder, but is not considered one itself. Instead, for the majority of teens, angst is short-lived and only mild in intensity, and it’s only when that starts to change for the worse that it’s time to step in and take action. 

Common Triggers for Teen Angst

There are all sorts of triggers for angst in young people, including:

• Academic stress
• Uncertainties about the future
• Family conflict 
• Changing relationship dynamics
• Peer pressure
• Social media influence
• Identity and self-esteem struggles

Feelings of angst can be caused by one of these triggers or by multiple triggers at the same time. What’s key is that it’s something your child feels they have no control over, and they may need guidance and support to actively work through it. 

Signs of Unhealthy Teenage Angst

Not all angst is created equal. 

If you notice persistent mood swings and irritability, social withdrawal, and/or declining academic performance or lack of interest in hobbies, your child’s angst may be closer to clinical anxiety or depression than everyday worry, and it’s time to address it. 

Other things to look out for include panic over unrealistic scenarios or anxiety that doesn’t go away once a particular trigger has been resolved. Sleep troubles, mood swings, and physical ailments can (and oftentimes do) go hand-in-hand. 

Coping Strategies and Parental Support

You can’t necessarily prevent angst, but you can help your child process it by talking openly about their feelings and providing them with healthy outlets for expression. 

Something as simple as a chat and a walk can go a long way toward easing the negative thoughts that fuel angst, and helps teach your child that there are healthier ways to release emotional pressure. Just be sure to remain open-minded and non-judgmental when discussing what’s going on, and, as always, aim to do more listening than talking, which validates your child’s emotions and creates a secure environment for growth. 

Of course, for some teens, angst may get to a point where a more serious intervention is warranted. Professional treatment options for an angsty teen include individual counseling, family therapy, and evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). And in severe cases, residential treatment programs like The Ridge RTC provide a safe and compassionate setting where teens can learn and develop core coping strategies for managing extreme angst. 

Compassionate Mental Health Care for Teens

If your teen is feeling angsty, it could be normal, or it could be something more. Your job as a parent is to look for signs of unhealthy angst, such as intense anxiety or depressive symptoms, and then provide your child with the appropriate level of support. There are a number of effective tools out there for addressing angst in the teen years, as well as for angst-adjacent conditions like depression or generalized anxiety disorder. 

The Ridge RTC is here to help however we can. Explore our website to learn more about teen mental health, and get in touch to discuss treatment options and other helpful resources for angst in teens.