Understanding Anxiety in Adolescents: What Parents Need to Know

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among children and teenagers. Yet for many parents, it can be hard to tell when everyday worry moves into something more serious.

To help families better understand the signs, we turn to psychiatrist Dr. Mohamed Awais Aftab from Southwest General Health Center. He shares how anxiety can look different in young people, why it’s not always easy to spot and when it may be time to seek support.

How Anxiety Presents in Kids and Teens

One of the biggest challenges, Dr. Aftab explains, is recognizing that anxiety exists on a spectrum. “Anxiety as a term is used both for the kind of everyday normal worries, but the term also is used for more severe conditions that do require treatment,” he says.

In adults, anxiety often shows up in familiar ways, such as persistent worry, nervousness, restlessness or physical symptoms like a racing heart. Children, however, may not have the language to describe what they’re feeling. Instead, their anxiety often comes through in behavior.

“Children can be less expressive about these emotions. Rather, they may express that anxiety through their behaviors,” Dr. Aftab notes. Avoiding school, pulling away from friends and family or becoming unusually irritable may all be signs that a young person is struggling. These shifts often occur before a child or teen can verbalize what’s going on inside.

As kids move into adolescence, hormonal changes, social pressures and identity development add new layers. Teenagers are navigating friendships, academics, social media and the emotional work of figuring out who they are. Under these pressures, both normal and clinical anxiety can become more pronounced.

“Anxiety thrives on avoidance,” says Dr. Aftab. “If you’re fearful of something, and you avoid it, you will remain fearful. But if you step outside your comfort zone and confront what needs to be done, the anxiety will dissipate.” This is why he encourages parents to support growth and challenge gently—not remove every stressor.

When to Seek Professional Help

There’s no single moment when typical anxiety becomes clinical anxiety, so parents often need to look for patterns such as persistence, severity and how much symptoms interfere with daily life.

If anxiety begins affecting functioning—such as school attendance, friendships, sleep or motivation—and everyday reassurance doesn’t seem to help, it may be time to reach out for support. Seeking help is especially important if a teen expresses suicidal thoughts, engages in self-harm or is unable to manage daily responsibilities.

Many families start by talking with their pediatrician, but school counselors, therapists and child psychiatrists also are valuable resources. For most adolescents, psychotherapy is the initial recommended approach. If symptoms remain severe or therapy alone isn’t enough, medications such as SSRIs may be considered under close medical supervision

Supporting Children at Home

Parents play a meaningful role in helping teens navigate anxiety. Encouraging daily routines, regular physical activity, balanced eating and gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations all can help build resilience.

“We have to provide a supportive space without reinforcing the avoidance that comes with anxiety,” Dr. Aftab emphasizes.

And if caregivers feel unsure where to begin, he offers reassurance: “Reach out to the professionals—people like your child’s pediatrician or maybe a school counselor—and see what they can offer.”

Southwest General offers a range of mental health resources, including an intensive outpatient program for adolescents who need additional support. Early recognition and timely care can make a powerful difference, helping young people feel grounded, capable and connected again.