Verified by 
Key points
- Teens with anxiety may worry excessively about grades, fear failure, or dread being called on in class.
- Social anxiety may show up as self-consciousness, fear of public speaking, or withdrawal from activities.
- Parental expectations can significantly contribute to teen anxiety.
Anxiety is a pervasive issue among teens, often misunderstood or overlooked. While some anxiety is normal during adolescence, chronic anxiety can be debilitating. Understanding how anxiety weighs down teens is crucial for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Here are five common ways anxiety impacts teens and what can be done to help them manage it.
1. Academic Pressure and Performance Anxiety
School is a significant source of anxiety for teens. The pressure to excel academically can be overwhelming, especially with looming tests, assignments, and college admissions. Teens with anxiety may worry excessively about grades, fear failure, or dread being called on in class. This can lead to procrastination, perfectionism, or avoidance, increasing stress.
For instance, Selena, a 16-year-old high school junior, feels sick before extensive tests. Her stomach churns, and she can't sleep. Despite her best efforts, her mind goes blank during the test, and she performs poorly, which only heightens her anxiety.
What You Can Do: As I found when researching my book The Anxiety, Depression, & Anger Toolbox for Teens, it is essential to encourage teens to focus on effort rather than perfection. Help them develop good study habits and time management skills. Promote a balanced lifestyle that includes relaxation and hobbies to ease academic pressure. Open conversations about learning from mistakes can also help reduce performance anxiety.
2. Social Anxiety and Fear of Rejection
Social interactions can be a significant source of anxiety for teens. The fear of being judged, rejected, or embarrassed can cause intense discomfort and lead to avoidance of social situations. This anxiety may show up as excessive self-consciousness, fear of public speaking, or withdrawal from group activities.
Javon, a 14-year-old, dreads school events where he has to interact with peers. He's constantly worried about saying the wrong thing or being laughed at, so he skips social gatherings and withdraws from activities he once enjoyed.
What You Can Do: Build social confidence through gradual exposure to social situations in a supportive environment. Encourage participation in low-pressure activities, like clubs or group projects. Teach relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to help manage social anxiety. Remind teens that everyone experiences awkward moments that do not define their worth.
3. Body Image and Self-Esteem Issues
Teens often struggle with body image issues due to significant physical and emotional changes. The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards can lead to severe anxiety about appearance, weight, and self-worth. Social media comparisons can worsen this anxiety.
Eva, a 15-year-old, becomes obsessed with her appearance after being teased about her weight. She keeps telling her sister, "If I could have a thigh gap like yours, it would make everyone think I am hot." She starts skipping meals and scrutinizing herself in the mirror, convinced she doesn't measure up. Her anxiety around body image begins to dominate her thoughts and hurts her self-esteem.
What You Can Do: Encourage a positive body image by focusing on strengths and what their bodies can do rather than how they look. Limit exposure to harmful social media and promote body-positive messages. Discuss unrealistic beauty portrayals in the media and emphasize self-compassion to help develop a healthier self-image.
4. Fear of the Future and Life Transitions
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is uncertain, and many teens are anxious about their future. Concerns about career choices, financial independence, and adult responsibilities can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of paralysis and indecision.
Tom, a 17-year-old senior, feels stuck when choosing a college major. He worries he'll make the wrong choice and ruin his life. This fear causes him to procrastinate on applications and avoid discussions about the future, increasing his anxiety.
What You Can Do: Help teens navigate their fears by breaking future planning into manageable steps. Encourage exploration and reassure them that it’s OK to change paths. Provide a supportive environment where they can discuss their fears and aspirations without judgment, easing some of their pressure.
5. Parental Expectations and Family Dynamics
Parental expectations can significantly contribute to teen anxiety. Pressure to excel academically, conform to behaviors, or follow in family footsteps can create a heavy burden. Family dynamics, such as conflict or poor communication, can worsen this anxiety, leaving teens feeling unsupported or misunderstood.
At 16 years old, Mia feels pressured by her parents to pursue a nursing career, even though she's passionate about photography. Her fear of disappointing them causes her to hide her true interests, leading to resentment and anxiety.
What You Can Do: Open, nonjudgmental communication is critical to easing anxiety related to parental expectations. Encourage teens to express their feelings and interests and be receptive to their aspirations, even if they differ from your own. Emphasize unconditional love and support regardless of their choices, helping them balance their goals with family expectations.
Conclusion
Anxiety in teens is a complex issue that requires understanding and support. By recognizing how anxiety manifests and taking proactive steps, parents, educators, and mental health professionals can help teens navigate this challenging time with greater confidence and resilience. Creating an environment where teens feel heard and supported is critical to empowering them to manage anxiety healthily.
