Does Anxiety in Teens look different than in Adults?
Anxiety is something almost everyone deals with at some point. It’s that feeling of worry or fear that can sometimes get in the way of everyday life. But did you know that anxiety doesn’t always look the same for teenagers as it does for adults? Understanding how anxiety shows up differently in teens can make a big difference for parents, teachers, and teens themselves when it comes to getting the right kind of help. In this blog, we’ll talk about what anxiety looks like in teens compared to adults, common signs to watch for in teenagers, how anxiety affects their daily lives, why it’s important to notice these differences, and some easy ways to support teens in managing their anxiety.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress or danger. Everyone feels anxious sometimes—like before a test, a big game, or a presentation. This kind of anxiety is normal and can even help us focus and perform better!
But when symptoms of anxiety become strong, last a long time, or make it hard to do everyday things, it might be an anxiety disorder. Despite myths, anxiety disorders are common, and they can happen to both teens and adults.
How Common Is Anxiety in Teens?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues among youth. According to the National Intitute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety disorders affect 31.9% of adolescents between 13 and 18 years old! That means about 1 in 3 teens struggles with an anxiety disorder. For adults, the rate decreases to 19.1%. Many teens don’t get the help they need because anxiety can sometimes look different than it does in adults. Research shows that when anxiety disorders in teenagers go untreated, they’re more likely to struggle in school, miss out on important social experiences, and even turn to substance abuse as a way to cope. Anxiety disorders commonly occur other issues like depression, eating disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anxiety during childhood can affect many areas of a teen’s life—including their mental health, school performance, and relationships. It’s important for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs early and seek appropriate treatment.
How Does Anxiety in Teens Differ From Anxiety in Adults?
Anxiety can affect people of all ages, but it often looks different in teenagers than it does in adults. Understanding these differences can help parents, teachers, and teens themselves recognize anxiety and get the right support. Recognizing these differences helps us see anxiety in teens for what it is—not just “teen drama” or moodiness, but a real and treatable mental health challenge. By paying attention to behavior, physical symptoms, triggers, and developmental impact, we can better support teens as they learn to manage anxiety and grow into healthy adults.
1. Teens Often Show Anxiety Through Behavior
Adults usually talk about their feelings. They might describe symptoms of anxiety as racing thoughts, nervousness, or constant worries. Teens, however, often struggle to put their anxiety into words. Instead, their anxiety tends to show up in their actions.
For example, a teen might suddenly start avoiding friends or social events they used to enjoy. They might skip school or drop out of clubs and sports. You may notice them becoming more irritable or easily frustrated over small things, which may lead you to wonder if they have an anger problem. Physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches, or feeling sick may also be ways their anxiety expresses itself.
Sometimes these behaviors get mistaken for typical teenage moodiness, rebellion, or just a bad attitude. Stigmas around anxiety can also impact treatment. But often, anxiety is the real reason behind these changes. It can be tough for teens (and adults!) to explain how they’re feeling, so watching for changes in behavior is important.
2. Physical Symptoms Are Especially Common
While adults with anxiety also experience physical symptoms, teens tend to focus more on how their bodies feel. Because their bodies are still growing and changing, they may be extra aware of sensations like:
Stomach pain or nausea
Headaches
Rapid heartbeat or tightness in the chest
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
These physical symptoms can be scary and uncomfortable, and sometimes teens believe they are sick or have a serious illness. What they might not realize is that anxiety itself can cause these uncomfortable sensations.
3. Different Triggers for Their Anxiety
What causes anxiety can look very different between teens and adults. Adults often worry about things like work stress, money problems, or family responsibilities. Teens face unique pressures as they grow up, including:
Fitting in with peers and making friends
Keeping up with schoolwork and grades
Performing well in sports or other extracurricular activities
Managing their social media presence and online reputation
Navigating family conflicts or changes at home
Some triggers overlap, but many challenges are specific to the teen years. These can make anxiety feel different or even harder to talk about.
4. Impact Important Developmental Milestones
The teenage years are a time of big changes—not just physically, but emotionally and socially too. Anxiety can interfere with how teens learn important skills, like:
Managing their emotions in healthy ways
Building and maintaining close relationships
Gaining independence and self-confidence
Adults have usually already developed these skills, so anxiety may affect their daily lives in different ways. For teens, anxiety can slow down or complicate this important growth, making support and understanding even more crucial.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders in Teens
Just like adults, teens can experience different types of anxiety disorders. Each type comes with its own set of challenges and symptoms, and knowing which one a teen is dealing with can make a big difference in finding the right support and treatment. Here are some of the most common anxiety disorders seen in teenagers:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Teens with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) tend to worry a lot—often about many different parts of their lives. This might include worries about school, friendships, family, health, or the future. The worry can feel constant and hard to control, even when there isn’t a clear reason to be anxious. Due to this ongoing worry, teens with GAD might feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or experience muscle tension and restlessness.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is more than just being shy. Teens with this disorder have an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. This might make them avoid parties, speaking up in class, or even talking to peers. The fear is so strong that it can interfere with making friends or participating in activities, leaving teens feeling isolated or alone.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves sudden and overwhelming bursts of intense fear known as panic attacks. These attacks can come on unexpectedly and include physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain. For teens, panic attacks can be frightening, confusing, and embarrassing. As a result, they can sometimes avoid places or situations where attacks have happened before.
Separation Anxiety
Though often thought of as a childhood issue, Separation Anxiety can affect younger teens too. It involves a strong fear of being away from parents or caregivers. Teens with separation anxiety may worry excessively about losing their loved ones or being left alone. This can make it difficult for them to go to school, sleepover at a friend’s house, or participate in activities without a parent nearby.
The Importance of Early Recognition
Untreated anxiety can cause problems that last into adulthood. It can lead to:
Poor school performance
Trouble with friends and family
Risky behaviors like substance use
The earlier anxiety is recognized and treated, the better the chances are for recovery.
How to Support Teens With Anxiety
Helping a teen with anxiety means understanding their experience and providing support that fits their needs. Here are some tips on how to help someone!
1. Listen and Validate Their Feelings
Teens need to know their worries are taken seriously and not judged. Do your best to avoid saying things like “just calm down” or “stop worrying.” If they could just stop worrying, they would! Instead, say things like:
“I’m here for you.”
“It’s okay to feel anxious.”
“We’ll figure this out together.”
2. Encourage Healthy Habits
Building healthy habits can play a powerful role in helping teens manage anxiety. While it’s important not to pressure or overwhelm them, gently encouraging positive routines can support both their mental and physical well-being. By encouraging these healthy habits with patience and understanding, you can help teens build a strong foundation for managing anxiety naturally. Small changes often add up to big improvements over time.
Prioritize good sleep: Sleep affects mood, concentration, and how the body handles stress. Teens need around 8–10 hours of quality sleep each night, but many don’t get enough due to busy schedules or screen time before bed. Encouraging a consistent bedtime, limiting phone use before sleep, and creating a relaxing nighttime routine can help teens recharge and reduce anxiety.
Stay active and spend time outdoors: Regular physical activity releases feel-good chemicals in the brain that can lower anxiety. Even simple activities like walking, biking, or playing a sport make a difference. Spending time outside in nature—whether it’s a park, backyard, or trail—can boost mood and calm the mind. Try to help teens find activities they enjoy so exercise feels fun rather than like a chore.
Watch caffeine and sugar intake: Too much caffeine (found in coffee, energy drinks, and soda) can increase feelings of jitteriness and anxiety. Likewise, high sugar consumption can lead to mood swings and energy crashes. Encouraging teens to limit these can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety and keep their energy more stable throughout the day.
3. Help Them Build Problem-Solving Skills
When anxiety takes over, it’s easy for teens to get stuck in a loop of “what if” thoughts—worrying about every possible bad outcome without thinking about how to handle it. Helping teens break down their worries into smaller, manageable parts can make challenges feel less overwhelming.
For example, if a teen is worried about a big test, guide them to think step-by-step:
What exactly am I worried about?
What can I do to prepare?
Who can I ask for help?
What will I do if things don’t go perfectly?
Encourage them to focus on solutions rather than just the “what ifs.” This builds confidence and shows them they have tools to face problems, not just fears. Practicing problem-solving also helps teens feel more in control, which reduces anxiety over time.
4. Limit Exposure to Stressors
Some things in a teen’s environment can make anxiety worse, especially social media, peer pressure, or high-stress settings. Helping teens recognize what triggers their anxiety is an important step.
For example, if scrolling through social media leads to feelings of comparison or stress, suggest taking regular breaks or setting specific time limits on phone use. If certain social events or situations cause too much worry, encourage them to say no or find ways to manage their involvement.
Setting boundaries doesn’t mean avoiding challenges completely—it means protecting mental health by not overwhelming themselves. Supporting teens in creating these limits helps them regain balance and reduces constant stress.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Sometimes anxiety becomes too much to handle on their own or with family support. In these cases, seeking professional help is a smart and brave step. Mental health professionals who specialize in working with teens can offer therapies proven to reduce anxiety, such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), somatic therapy and even EMDR for anxiety!
In some cases, medication may be recommended as part of a treatment plan to help manage symptoms. A primary care doctor or psychiatrist can carefully assess what’s best for each teen.
Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s an important part of taking care of mental health. With the right support, teens can learn to manage anxiety and thrive.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Help
Parents and caregivers play a big role in supporting teens with anxiety. Here are some tips:
Create a Safe and Open Space: Make it easy for your teen to talk without fear of judgment.
Model Healthy Coping: Show how you manage stress in healthy ways.
Be Patient: Understand that managing anxiety takes time.
Educate Yourself: Learn about anxiety to better understand what your teen is going through.
Advocate: Work with schools or healthcare providers to get the support your teen needs, including an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan.
When to see an Online Anxiety Therapist in Michigan
If anxiety is causing major problems in school, social life, or family relationships, it’s time to get help. Warning signs include:
Constant worry or fear that doesn’t go away
Panic attacks
Avoidance of important activities or people
Changes in sleeping or eating habits
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you notice these signs, contact an online anxiety treatment program. If you notice signs of suicide, call the suicide hotline by dialing 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Begin Online Anxiety Treatment in Michigan for Teens & Adults
Anxiety in teens can look different from adults, but it’s just as important to take it seriously. With the right understanding and support, teens can learn to manage their anxiety and live happy, healthy lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, don’t wait to reach out for help. Anxiety therapists at Embodied Wellness are trained to support you and your family through these symptoms. To get started, follow these easy steps:
Be matched with one of our online anxiety therapists in Michigan
Reduce symptoms of anxiety
Additional Virtual Therapy Services in Michigan
At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we offer a variety of holistic treatment services for adults and teens with depression, and OCD. We specialize in EMDR, Somatic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and DBT for trauma. We also specialize in CBT and Empath Counseling. We offer online therapy in Michigan. Start overcoming your trauma today by visiting our Detroit-based practice. We also have low-cost therapy options available!
About the Author:
Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP, is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice offering EMDR therapy in Ann Arbor, MI, and online therapy throughout Michigan. She is dedicated to helping individuals heal from anxiety and trauma without reliving painful memories. With a compassionate and holistic approach, Sarah integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support deep, lasting healing. Her mission is to provide a safe and affirming space where clients can reclaim their sense of peace, resilience, and self-acceptance.