Symptoms of Anxiety in Teens

Symptoms of anxiety in teens won’t manifest quite the same for everyone. In other words, anxiety affects everyone differently, particularly young people. While feeling anxious about certain situations is normal, persistent anxiety that interferes with the day-to-day may indicate a deeper concern that requires professional support.

Types of Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents

Anxiety is more or less an umbrella term for a few different mental health conditions that involve excessive worry, fear, or unease.

  • Generalized Anxiety: Generalized anxiety disorder refers to persistent and extreme worry that impedes one’s day-to-day. These worries usually revolve around routine issues like work obligations, family well-being, or even small tasks such as household duties and scheduled appointments.
  • Social Anxiety: Social anxiety disorder entails significant fear and discomfort about being embarrassed, humiliated, or judged in social situations. Those affected may either avoid these situations or endure them with substantial anxiety.
  • Panic Disorder: Characterized by recurring panic attacks, this disorder brings about intense physical and psychological distress.
  • Phobias: A specific phobia is an overwhelming fear of certain objects, situations, or activities (most of them generally harmless). Individuals recognize their fear is excessive but struggle to overcome it (e.g., fear of flying, public speaking, or spiders).
  • Separation Anxiety: This refers to extreme fear and anxiety related to being separated from attachment figures, lasting longer than is age-appropriate, and causing significant functional challenges.

Factors Contributing to Anxiety in Teenagers

Studies indicate that anxiety disorders in young people typically arise due to a combination of inherited traits and external circumstances. Genetics account for approximately 30 to 40 percent of the risk factors linked to anxiety disorders, meaning that a teen with a family history of anxiety may be more likely to develop similar challenges. Additionally, neurobiological influences play a role—when the brain’s ability to process and respond to perceived threats is disrupted, the likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms increases.

Beyond biological factors, personal experiences significantly shape a teenager’s mental health. Early childhood trauma—such as neglect, abuse, or the loss of a parent—can contribute to anxiety that persists into adolescence. Other distressing events, such as car accidents or natural disasters, can also heighten the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. Additionally, large-scale crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can amplify anxiety by creating widespread uncertainty and stress.

Experts also point to several modern influences that may be contributing to rising anxiety levels among teens and younger children:

  • Academic and life pressures – Many teenagers feel an overwhelming need to succeed in school and define their future careers at an early age. High school students often experience immense stress related to academic performance, athletic achievements, and participation in extracurricular activities.
  • Uninterrupted exposure to news and information – The constant availability of online news can make it difficult for teens to feel secure, as they are frequently bombarded with alarming or negative stories. This continuous exposure can heighten feelings of fear and anxiety.
  • Social media influence – Research has repeatedly shown that excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety and lower overall happiness in teens. Comparing themselves to their peers online can negatively impact self-esteem, while excessive screen time can take away from activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise and in-person social interactions.

By understanding these contributing factors, parents, educators, and mental health professionals can better support teens in managing anxiety and fostering resilience.

Signs of Teenage Anxiety

Normal anxiety (or anxious thoughts and behaviors) typically arises in response to high-pressure or nerve-wracking situations—like before a presentation or after a near-miss incident. These feelings usually pass once the stressful situation resolves. Anxiety, however, is more consistent, may become excessive or persistent, and thus may indicate an underlying condition that demands attention.

Signs of anxiety in teens, not to be confused with the symptoms, refer more to specific actions and behaviors others can see, such as restlessness, trembling, irritability, sweating, or avoidant behavior, as well as:

  • Diminished school performance
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Lost interest in things they used to enjoy
  • Shared thoughts of negativity about themselves or about life

Common Teenage Anxiety Symptoms

While worrying about upcoming events or challenges is natural, persistent worry about unlikely scenarios or circumstances beyond one’s control may indicate an anxiety disorder. Teenage anxiety symptoms can include:

  • A sense of being restless, anxious, and perpetually tense
  • An apprehension that something awful may occur or thinking the worst is going to happen (catastrophizing)
  • Struggling to concentrate and maintain focus
  • Finding it challenging to unwind
  • Thinking that worrying is the sole method to avert negative outcomes

Physical Symptoms

Physical teen anxiety symptoms often manifest as:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Changes in appetite
  • Stomach aches
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues
  • Fatigue or restlessness

Panic Attacks

Some individuals experience panic attacks—intense episodes that can include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Trembling
  • Overwhelming feelings of doom
  • Stomach distress

Avoidance Behaviors

Teens with anxiety might avoid situations that trigger their symptoms, such as:

  • Attending school
  • Avoiding social events
  • Skipping extracurricular activities
  • Withdrawing from peer interactions
  • Leaving home

The Impact of Untreated Anxiety

Without proper support, some young people might turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, like substance use, to placate their symptoms. Because anxiety and substance use issues can occur simultaneously, they can present unique challenges that demand a more holistic, comprehensive approach to treatment that caters to both areas of concern.

Finding Support

If anxiety begins interfering with daily activities, seeking professional help is important. Anxiety treatment might include the following:

Lifestyle Approaches

While not a replacement for professional treatment, certain lifestyle changes can support overall well-being:

  • Regular physical activity
  • Balanced nutrition
  • Consistent sleep schedules
  • Stress management techniques
  • Mindfulness practices

How Parents Can Support Their Anxious Teen

To help manage symptoms of anxiety in teens, parents should acknowledge their emotions rather than dismissing or minimizing their concerns. Instead of saying, “You have nothing to worry about,” it’s important to validate their feelings, listen attentively, and provide a space where they feel heard without overwhelming them with questions.

Let your teen know that they are not alone—many others experience anxiety as well. Avoid labeling them with negative terms like “shy” or “anxious,” as this can reinforce their struggles rather than help them overcome them.

Gradually introducing your teen to anxiety-inducing situations at a manageable pace can be beneficial. Encourage them to face their fears step by step, offering positive reinforcement for their efforts in confronting challenges, whether they involve social situations or other stressors.

Providing love, empathy, and undivided attention is essential. Set aside time daily to talk without distractions, creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Teen Anxiety Treatment at Ridge RTC

At Ridge RTC in New Hampshire and Maine, we understand that anxiety can significantly impact a young person’s life. Our comprehensive treatment approach helps individuals understand their anxiety, develop effective coping strategies, and work toward lasting wellness. We create personalized treatment plans that address both immediate symptoms and underlying causes, supporting adolescents as they build the skills required for long-term success post-treatment. To begin treatment for anxiety, please contact us today.

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