A Parent's Guide to Teen Anxiety

Anxiety in teenagers rarely looks like the word suggests, and it often shows up as avoidance, irritability, or a stomachache every school morning. This guide walks you from what you're noticing to what you can do at home, at school, and with outside help.

We're not clinicians or doctors, and this practical guide isn't medical advice. For guidance about your teen, always talk with their doctor or therapist. If you're worried about their safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

5 articlesBy Jeremy MannéMore on the way

If you're new here, start with these

Start here

Why Accommodating Teen Anxiety Can Backfire, and What to Do Instead

Family accommodation means changing a family's routines so an anxious teen can avoid what scares them, like letting them skip school, speaking for the…

Then

When Teen Anxiety Shows Up as Anger or Irritability

Anxiety in adolescents often shows up as irritability, snapping, or angry outbursts rather than visible worry, and the Centers for Disease Control and…

Then

How to Talk to an Anxious Teen Without Making It Worse

The most helpful message for an anxious teen has two parts: the fear makes sense to you, and you believe they can get through it.

Every article in this guide

Anxiety

Why Accommodating Teen Anxiety Can Backfire, and What to Do InsteadFamily accommodation means changing a family's routines so an anxious teen can avoid what scares them, like letting them skip school, speaking for them, or answering the same worried question many times a day.11 min When Teen Anxiety Shows Up as Anger or IrritabilityAnxiety in adolescents often shows up as irritability, snapping, or angry outbursts rather than visible worry, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that anxiety can make children irritable and angry.10 min How to Talk to an Anxious Teen Without Making It WorseThe most helpful message for an anxious teen has two parts: the fear makes sense to you, and you believe they can get through it.11 min Normal Teen Stress or Something More? How Parents Can TellNormal teen stress is tied to a specific event, like an exam, a tryout, or a breakup, and it usually eases within days of that event passing.8 min When to Bring In a Therapist for Teen Anxiety, and What Kind to Look ForA therapist is worth calling when a teen's anxiety has lasted a few weeks and is getting in the way of school, friendships, sleep, or family life, and parents don't need to be sure it's an anxiety disorder before asking.10 min

When it's more than home can handle

You don't have to figure out the next step alone

We're not clinicians, so the Getting Help guide explains your options in plain language and points you toward people who can evaluate your teen. If you're worried about safety, call or text 988, or call 911.

Levels of care, explained →What level of care your teen needs →Crisis options →