Anxiety in Teenagers: Common Questions Answered by Our Clinicians 

Feeling anxious from time to time is a normal part of growing up. Starting secondary school, sitting exams, making new friends or thinking about the future can all cause worry. For many teenagers, these feelings come and go. 

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health difficulties experienced by young people. Many adolescents will experience significant anxiety symptoms at some point during their teenage years. 

However, when anxiety becomes persistent, overwhelming or begins to affect everyday life, it may be a sign that additional support is needed. 

In this article, our clinicians answer some of the most common questions about anxiety in teenagers, drawing on current clinical guidance and research. You can also watch our accompanying YouTube video, where we explore these topics in more detail. 

 

Is anxiety normal in teenagers? 

Yes. Anxiety is a normal human emotion and an important part of how we respond to challenges or perceived threats. During adolescence, young people experience significant physical, emotional and social changes, making it common to feel anxious at times. 

Feeling nervous before an exam, worrying about friendships or feeling uncertain in new situations is a normal part of development. These feelings usually settle once the situation has passed. 

Anxiety becomes more of a concern when it is intense, lasts for several weeks or begins to interfere with everyday life. A teenager may start avoiding school, withdrawing from friends, struggling to sleep or finding it difficult to take part in activities they previously enjoyed. 

Anxiety exists on a spectrum. Some young people experience occasional worries, while others develop an anxiety disorder that benefits from professional assessment and treatment. 

 

What are the signs of anxiety in a teenager? 

Anxiety can affect how a young person thinks, feels, behaves and experiences physical sensations. Every teenager is different, and symptoms may not always be obvious. 

Some common emotional signs include excessive worrying, feeling constantly on edge, irritability, becoming easily overwhelmed or finding it difficult to relax. 

Behavioural changes may include avoiding school, social situations or activities they once enjoyed, seeking frequent reassurance, becoming withdrawn or finding it difficult to concentrate on schoolwork. 

Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms. These might include headaches, stomach aches, nausea, muscle tension, a racing heart, dizziness or difficulty sleeping. These symptoms are real and are part of the body’s normal stress response, even when there is no physical illness. 

Many young people experience a combination of emotional, physical and behavioural symptoms rather than just one or two. 

 

Are there different types of anxiety? 

Yes. Anxiety can present in different ways, and different young people may experience different symptoms. 

Some teenagers experience generalised anxiety, characterised by persistent and excessive worry about a range of everyday issues. Others may develop social anxiety, where social situations cause significant fear or self-consciousness. 

Some young people experience panic attacks, which can involve sudden feelings of intense fear alongside symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness or shortness of breath. Others may experience specific phobias or anxiety linked to particular situations, places or objects. 

While symptoms may vary, all forms of anxiety can benefit from appropriate support and treatment. 

 

What causes anxiety? 

There is rarely a single cause of anxiety. Instead, it usually develops through a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. 

Some teenagers may have a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions, making them more vulnerable. Others may experience stressful life events such as bullying, family conflict, bereavement, academic pressure or difficulties with friendships. 

Modern pressures can also play a role. Social media, online comparisons, cyberbullying and constant exposure to news and information may contribute to feelings of stress, worry or self-doubt in some young people. 

 Personality and temperament can also influence the way someone responds to challenges. Young people who naturally worry more or who are particularly sensitive to uncertainty may be more likely to experience anxiety. 

Anxiety is also more common in young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or autism. This does not mean that ADHD or autism causes anxiety, but the additional challenges these young people may experience can increase their risk of developing anxiety alongside their neurodevelopmental condition. 

Understanding what may be contributing to a teenager’s anxiety can help identify the most appropriate support. 

 

How can parents and carers help? 

One of the most important things parents and carers can do is create opportunities for open, calm conversations. Listening without judgement and acknowledging a young person’s feelings can help them feel understood, even if there is no immediate solution. 

It’s often tempting to remove every situation that makes a teenager anxious. While this may provide short-term relief, avoiding feared situations altogether can sometimes make anxiety more persistent over time. With appropriate support, gradually facing manageable challenges can help build confidence. 

It can also be helpful to encourage problem-solving rather than immediately providing reassurance. Helping a young person think through possible solutions and coping strategies can gradually build resilience, confidence and independence. 

 Simple routines can also make a difference. Encouraging regular sleep, physical activity, balanced meals and time away from screens can all support emotional wellbeing. 

Parents and carers should also remember to look after themselves. Supporting an anxious teenager can be emotionally demanding, and seeking advice or support for yourself can make it easier to support your child. 

Most importantly, remember that anxiety is treatable. Many young people learn effective ways to manage anxiety and go on to lead full, confident lives. 

 

What can teenagers do to help themselves? 

If you are a teenager experiencing anxiety, remember that you are not alone. Anxiety is common, and support is available. 

Talking to a trusted adult, parent, carer, teacher or healthcare professional can be an important first step. Many young people also find it helpful to stay active, maintain regular routines, practise relaxation techniques and break problems down into manageable steps. 

While these strategies may not make anxiety disappear completely, they can help you feel more in control and better able to cope with difficult situations. 

 

When should you seek professional help? 

Consider seeking professional advice if anxiety lasts for several weeks, becomes increasingly severe or starts affecting everyday life, such as school attendance, relationships or family life. 

A GP or qualified mental health professional can assess what may be contributing to the anxiety and discuss appropriate treatment options. Depending on the individual, support may include psychological therapies, practical coping strategies, family support or, in some cases, medication. 

If a young person talks about harming themselves, appears to be at immediate risk or you are concerned about their safety, seek urgent help through your local NHS mental health crisis service or by calling 999 in an emergency. 

 

Watch our video 

If you’d like to learn more, watch our accompanying YouTube video. It explains why anxiety develops, how to recognise the signs, and practical ways that parents, carers and young people can work together to manage anxiety and know when to seek additional support. 

 

References 

This article is based on current clinical guidance and evidence, including: 

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Social Anxiety Disorder: Recognition, Assessment and Treatment (CG159). 
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Depression in Children and Young People: Identification and Management (NG134). 
  • NHS. Anxiety Disorders in Children and Young People. 
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists. Anxiety in Children and Young People. 
  • World Health Organization. Mental Health of Adolescents. 

This article is intended for general information and should not replace personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.