How to Spot Early Signs of Anxiety in Teenagers: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Being a teenager isn’t easy. Academic pressure, social expectations, figuring out who they are — it’s a lot to handle. While some stress is normal, constant anxiety can significantly impact a teen's mental health and daily life. As parents and teachers, spotting the signs early means we can step in and help before things get worse. Here’s how to identify the early warning signs to provide early support to teens who may be struggling with anxiety.
What does anxiety look like in teens?
Anxiety doesn’t always show up the way you’d expect, and can manifest as more than just worry. It can affect your child or student’s emotions, behaviour, and even their physical health. Understanding the ways anxiety can affect the mind or body is the first step to figuring out how to help.
Emotional signs of anxiety
Teenagers can struggle to express their emotions, so feelings of anxiety may appear in less obvious ways:
Irritability or mood swings: Anxiety can lead to heightened sensitivity or frustration over seemingly small issues, manifesting as loud outbursts or sudden changes in mood.
Excessive worrying: Watch for repetitive concerns about school, friendships, or the future, especially when these fears seem out of proportion.
Low self-esteem: Teens with anxiety might have lower confidence and struggle with self-doubt. Their thoughts often tend to focus on their limitations over their strengths.
Behavioural signs of anxiety
Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Behavioural changes can be a key indicator of anxiety. These signs include:
Avoidance: Avoiding school, social gatherings, or extracurricular activities may signal that a teen feels overwhelmed — especially if they’re pulling out of activities they used to love, or frequently isolating themselves.
Restlessness: Difficulty sitting still or an inability to relax can indicate underlying tension.
Perfectionism: Anxious teens may set unreasonably high standards for themselves, obsessing over tiny details and becoming distressed when they fall short.
Physical symptoms of anxiety
Anxiety doesn’t just affect the mind; it impacts the body as well. Look out for:
Headaches or stomachaches: Teens might complain of frequent, unexplained physical discomfort. Without a clear cause, these could be stress-related. Here’s a great resource on calming an anxious stomach.
Fatigue or insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or feeling constantly tired can result from racing thoughts or worry.
Increased heart rate or sweating: These physical responses might occur even when there’s no apparent trigger. Sometimes, they can escalate into a panic attack. This is where deep breathing techniques and mindfulness can help.
Tips for parents
Open conversations: Create a safe space for your teen to share their feelings. Avoid judgment and listen with empathy.
Observe patterns: It’s perfectly normal to feel moody, tired, or insecure from time to time. But take note if these symptoms are recurring frequently.
Encourage healthy habits: Help your teen maintain a balanced routine with enough sleep, physical activity, socialising, and downtime.
Model calmness: Teens often mirror adult behaviours. Stay calm and supportive when discussing their anxiety. If you’re managing stress well, it can help them learn to do the same.
Tips for teachers
Build trust: Create an environment where students feel comfortable approaching you with concerns.
Watch for withdrawal: A decline in participation, effort, or focus can signal anxiety. A student who’s zoning out or suddenly quiet might need extra support.
Be flexible: Offer extensions or alternative tasks for overwhelmed students without drawing attention to their struggles.
Collaborate with parents: Share observations to build a full picture of the teen’s behaviour. Teaming up with families can make it easier to spot patterns and provide consistent support.
When to seek professional help
If anxiety begins to interfere with a teenager’s ability to function at home, school, or socially, it may be time to seek professional support. A counsellor, psychologist, or pediatrician can offer the guidance needed to manage anxiety effectively, helping teens learn coping strategies and get back on track.
Signs that your teen might benefit from expert attention include:
Persistent, uncontrollable anxiety lasting for weeks or months.
Avoidance behaviours leading to missed school or other important activities, interfering with everyday life.
Signs of depression or self-harm.
Mental health programs in schools
By fostering open conversations about mental health, schools can create a safe, supportive environment where teens feel seen and heard. Workshops, peer support groups, and access to mentors can make a world of difference, giving students tools they’ll carry for life. Proactively addressing mental health in schools doesn’t just help individual students — it cultivates a culture of care that benefits the entire community.
The Big Sister Experience is designed to teach students practical strategies to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and navigate challenges in a healthy way. Our workshops for secondary school students take a holistic approach to mental health, wellbeing, and life education. We guide students through modules on dealing with anxiety and associated issues such as self-love, social media, peer pressure, and body image.
We also run a workshop for parents of children and teens with anxiety, as well as professional development sessions for educators. Our goal is to ensure students feel supported and empowered both at school and at home.
Recognising the early signs of anxiety in teenagers means we can step in before the problem escalates. Through patience, understanding, and a willingness to seek help when necessary, we can create a supportive environment where teens can thrive.
If you’re concerned about a teenager’s anxiety, remember that early intervention can make all the difference. Let’s work together to support their mental wellbeing.