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Anxiety in Teenagers: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 02 Dec 2025 | 5 min read

Anxiety is a normal response to stress or perceived danger, helping us stay alert and ready to cope with challenges. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or constant, it can begin to interfere with daily life. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to anxiety because adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and social change. Academic pressures, social expectations, family dynamics, and the influence of social media can all contribute to increased stress. By understanding the causes of anxiety and recognising the signs early, parents and professionals can help teenagers manage stress effectively and build resilience.

Causes of Anxiety in Teenagers

Several factors can contribute to anxiety in young people:

Biological Factors

  • Brain Development
    • Teenagers' brains are still growing, especially the areas that control emotions and decision-making, which can make them more prone to intense feelings, including anxiety.
  • Genetics
    • Anxiety can run in families. If a parent or sibling has an anxiety disorder, a teen may have a higher risk.
  • Hormonal Changes
    • Puberty hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can amplify stress responses, making anxiety more likely.

Life Events and Social Pressures

  • Peer Pressure: Teens often feel intense pressure to fit in with friends or social groups.
  • School Expectations: Tests, homework, and exam pressures can lead to stress and anxiety.
  • Social Media: Online platforms can create unrealistic standards, leading teens to compare themselves to others and feel inadequate.

Family and Environmental Stressors

  • Family Conflict: Arguments or unresolved issues at home can make teens feel unsafe or anxious.
  • Parental Expectations: High expectations can create pressure, especially if teens think they aren't meeting them.
  • Stressful Home Life: Financial problems, health issues, or family separation can increase anxiety.

Chronic Stress or Traumatic Events

  • Bullying: Both in-person and online bullying can have lasting effects on mental health.
  • Academic Failure: Struggling at school can reduce self-esteem and increase stress.
  • Traumatic Events: Losing a loved one, accidents, or significant life changes can trigger anxiety.

Symptoms of Teenage Anxiety

Anxiety can present in different ways:

Emotional Symptoms

  • Persistent worry about school, friends, or the future
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Intense fears or phobias
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless

Physical Symptoms

  • Fatigue or constant tiredness
  • Headaches or stomachaches
  • Muscle tension, jaw clenching, or body aches

Behavioural Signs

  • Avoiding social activities or school
  • Declining school performance or lack of motivation
  • Frequent need for reassurance

Cognitive (Thinking) Changes

  • Trouble concentrating or staying focused
  • Catastrophic thinking: expecting the worst outcomes
  • Negative self-talk and low self-esteem

Recognising these patterns early allows parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to provide timely support.

Supporting Teenagers at Home and Building Resilience

Many practical strategies can help teenagers manage anxiety day to day. Lifestyle Tips for Managing Anxiety, such as developing healthy coping skills, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and open communication channels, can provide young people with effective outlets for stress.

Healthy Coping Skills

  • Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and relaxation exercises can help calm the mind and promote mental well-being.
  • Exercise: Regular physical activity releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing stress.
  • Journaling: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help teens understand and process emotions.
  • Hobbies and Creative Outlets: Engaging in activities like art, music, or sports can provide relief and joy.

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is also essential.

A consistent sleep routine, nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and limiting caffeine can all help regulate mood and energy levels.

  • Exercise regularly (walking, dancing, team sports)
  • Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated
  • Limit caffeine to avoid worsening anxiety
  • Maintain a consistent sleep routine and pre-bed relaxation
  • Use positive self-talk and set achievable goals

Building Resilience

  • Practice problem-solving by breaking tasks into small steps
  • Encourage positive thinking and recognition of personal strengths
  • Set realistic, achievable goals to reduce stress and build confidence

Encouraging Open Communication

Open communication is equally vital. Providing a safe space to talk, listening without judgment, and validating their feelings helps reduce isolation and builds trust. For teenagers who struggle with talking, creative outlets such as music, art, or sports can offer alternative ways to express emotions.

Parents and caregivers can support resilience by setting realistic expectations that focus on effort rather than outcomes, and by celebrating small successes, whether that’s coping with a stressful day at school or trying out a new strategy. Encouraging problem-solving, positive self-talk, and breaking tasks into manageable steps helps build confidence and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. Creating calm routines at home also provides a sense of predictability and security, which can be particularly grounding for anxious teenagers.

Professional Support for Teenage Anxiety

When anxiety significantly affects daily life, professional help may be needed. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recommended for young people, helping them challenge negative thoughts and build healthier patterns of thinking. School counsellors, youth services, or group therapy can also offer valuable support. In more severe cases, medication such as SSRIs may be prescribed under careful supervision, usually alongside therapy.

When to Seek Professional Help

It is important to seek professional advice if anxiety begins to interfere with school, relationships, or daily functioning; if physical symptoms persist; or if there are concerns about self-harm or suicidal thoughts. In these cases, contact your GP immediately. Support is available through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which provides specialist care for young people.

Conclusion

While anxiety is common during the teenage years, with the right support, young people can learn to manage it effectively. Parents, teachers, and health professionals all play a crucial role in fostering open communication, promoting healthy routines, and seeking professional help when needed. With these supports in place, teenagers can develop the resilience and emotional well-being required to navigate life with greater confidence.

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