Anxiety and teenagers
It’s natural for you to worry about your child if their anxiety is impacting their daily life. There are a number of things that you can try to help your teenager manage anxiety. If you'd like to understand more about what causes an anxiety disorder in teens and the impact it can have, read our guide on anxiety in teenagers.
Frequently asked questions about teens and anxiety
Research from the Young Minds Matter survey shows that around 1 in 7 children aged 4–17 experience a mental disorder, such as anxiety, each year.
The good news is that anxiety is treatable, and with the right support, most teens can learn strategies to manage it well. Learn more about anxiety in teens.
While there are online quizzes and screening tools that can give a rough idea of whether a teen might be experiencing anxiety, only a qualified professional, like a GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist, can diagnose an anxiety disorder.
If you or your teen is concerned, starting with a GP appointment is a good first step. They can use evidence-based questionnaires and clinical interviews to assess symptoms. Read more about getting professional support for anxiety.
Anxiety can make it hard for teens to switch off at night. You can support better sleep by helping them to:
keep a consistent routine, like aiming for the same bedtime and wake-up time each day
reduce screen time by encouraging a wind-down period without phones, tablets, or gaming at least an hour before bed
create a calming environment using dim lighting, a cool room, and a comfortable bed
share relaxation techniques like deep breathing, gentle stretches, or mindfulness apps like Smiling Mind
address worries earlier by setting aside a short ‘worry time’ before bed to talk or write things down.
Not always. Many teens learn coping strategies, build resilience, and see their anxiety symptoms lessen over time, especially if they get support early. For some, anxiety can continue into adulthood, particularly if it’s left untreated or if life stressors remain high. Early intervention, professional help, and strong support networks all increase the chances of recovery.
Learn how to help your teen develop coping skills to deal with anxiety.