7 Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling With Anxiety in 2026: What Experts Want Parents to Know
“A lot of anxiety is geared towards perfectionism, or needing to do their absolute best in school, beyond an intense work ethic.”
Rates of adolescent anxiety keep climbing, and parents heading into the new school year are asking how to spot it early. Experts point to academic pressure, social media and worries about the future as key drivers.
What are the warning signs of anxiety in a teenager?
The seven signs experts flag most often are physical symptoms, difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, negative self-talk, slipping academic performance, appearing distracted or tense and mood swings. Physical clues can show up as sweating, body aches, stomachaches, muscle tension, headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite or fatigue. A teen may also have angry outbursts or crying spells, pull back from friends and activities they once enjoyed, or describe their mind going blank at school. Grades often start to drop as focus fades and self-critical thinking takes hold. Any one of these signs on its own may not mean much. A pattern of several, especially ones that persist for weeks, is worth paying attention to.
How common is anxiety among American teens?
Anxiety is now one of the most common mental health issues teens report. Seventy percent of U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 identify anxiety or depression as major issues among their peers, according to the Pew Research Center. The American Psychological Association has highlighted the high levels of stress many teens experience. In an APA survey, 75% of high school students reported experiencing emotions such as boredom, anger, sadness, fear or stress at school, and teens rated their stress levels at 5.8 out of 10 during the school year.
What causes anxiety in teens?
Perfectionism, social scrutiny and physical development are among the biggest drivers, according to Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist who has treated many children with anxiety and OCD at the Child Mind Institute. “We see a lot of fear of not doing well,” Bubrick said. “A lot of anxiety is geared towards perfectionism, or needing to do their absolute best in school, beyond an intense work ethic.” Social anxiety is also common. Bubrick said some teens worry excessively about being seen as incompetent or stupid, or about doing something embarrassing. Physical changes matter too. Girls who develop early and boys who develop late often feel it most acutely, which can affect self-esteem and confidence for years.
How should parents talk to a teen about getting help?
Lead with concern and curiosity rather than judgment, experts advise. Describe specific behaviors you have noticed and invite your teen to share what’s behind them, without loading the question with worry. Jacqueline Sperling, PhD, a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, offered a script through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. She suggested saying something like, “I have noticed that you have stopped seeing your friends lately and asked us to make calls for you. I am wondering if these activities have been making you anxious.” After the teen responds, Sperling recommended following up when appropriate with, “Anxiety is very normal, and it also can worsen and get in the way of things we want to do. I am here if you want to talk, and we also can take you to see someone to help you with this.”
Should an anxious teen still go to school?
Yes. Pediatricians say pushing through anxiety, rather than staying home, helps teens build resilience over time. Dr. Molly O’Shea, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, told KOAT7 that even partial attendance beats staying home. “Any attendance is better than no attendance when it comes to school anxiety. And it’s so tempting as a parent to say, OK, we’ll take a mental health day today. And you’ll kind of gather your strength and be able to go again, go tomorrow, when actually that reinforces the anxiety and makes it even harder to go the next day,” O’Shea said.
What can parents do at home to help an anxious teen?
Acknowledge feelings, connect daily and support healthy routines. Clinicians at Johns Hopkins advise parents to take teen emotions seriously and resist the urge to dismiss worries with lines like, “You have a good life. You shouldn’t worry about that.” Practical steps from Johns Hopkins and other clinicians include the following:
- Let your teen talk and sit with the silence rather than firing off questions
- Help them face anxiety-triggering situations in small, manageable steps
- Avoid labels like “shy” or “anxious” that can become part of how they see themselves
- Protect sleep, nutritious meals and regular physical activity
- Set aside distraction-free time each day to connect
If your teen keeps struggling, contact your pediatrician, a psychologist, counselor or your school’s counseling services. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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