Anxiety in Teens

Understanding Teen Anxiety, Finding Support, and Building Confidence

Anxiety in Teens

Being a teenager is not easy.

School.

Friends.

Family.

Sports.

Social media.

The pressure can feel endless.

Sometimes, anxiety becomes more than everyday stress.

However, anxiety is treatable.

Help is available.

Hope is real.

Our Foundation created this resource to help teens and families better understand anxiety while learning healthy ways to manage it.

What Is Teen Anxiety?

Everyone worries sometimes.

However, anxiety lasts longer and feels much stronger.

It can make school harder.

Affect friendships.

It can even make simple tasks feel overwhelming.

Although anxiety feels different for everyone, no one should face it alone.

Common Signs

Teen anxiety does not always look the same.

For example, a teen may:

Worry all the time.
Avoid school.
Pull away from friends.
Feel nervous in social situations.
Have trouble sleeping.
Get headaches or stomachaches.
Feel restless.
Become easily irritated.
Have trouble concentrating.
Experience panic attacks.

Sometimes, adults notice these changes before teens do.

What Causes Anxiety?

There is rarely one single cause.

Instead, many things can work together.

These may include:

School pressure
Social media
Bullying
Family stress
Trauma
Grief
Health concerns
Major life changes
Genetics

Furthermore, several of these challenges may happen at the same time.

Healthy Ways to Cope

Small steps can help.

For example, you can:

Take slow, deep breaths.
Stay active.
Get enough sleep.
Spend time outside.
Limit screen time before bed.
Write in a journal.
Listen to calming music.
Talk with someone you trust.

Above all, remember that asking for help shows strength.

Parents Can Help

Parents and caregivers make a difference.

First, listen without judgment.

Then, ask open questions.

Next, remind your teen they are loved.

Avoid saying, “You’ll get over it.”

Instead, let them know you are there to help.

Support and patience can make a lasting difference.

When to Get More Help

Sometimes anxiety becomes too much to manage alone.

If anxiety begins affecting school, friendships, sleep, or everyday life, it is time to seek additional support.

Talk with:

A parent
A trusted adult
A school counselor
A doctor
A licensed mental health professional

Getting help early often makes recovery easier.

Resources from Our Foundation

Companion App

LCH-Grounded

LCH-Grounded helps teens manage anxiety through guided breathing, grounding exercises, calming activities, journaling, emotional wellness tools, and practical coping strategies.

app

Companion Book

Grounded

Grounded is a compassionate guide that helps teens and families better understand anxiety, reduce stress, build resilience, and develop healthy coping skills for everyday life.

book