Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Understanding and Supporting Your Child
Anxiety is a part of normal development. Children are supposed to feel nervous before a test, worried about a new situation, or cautious in unfamiliar settings. Anxiety becomes a concern when that worry does not turn off, grows bigger over time, and starts to interfere with daily life, such as with school, friendships, sleep, or family routines.
The good news is this: child and teen anxiety is common, understandable, and highly treatable when it is recognized early and addressed right away.
Why are so many kids struggling with anxiety right now?
Research shows that over the past decade, a steady increase in anxiety symptoms among children and adolescents has been linked to multiple factors, including academic pressure, social stress, uncertainty, exposure to world events, social media, and disrupted routines. Anxiety disorders are now among the most common mental health conditions in youth, affecting a significant portion of children at some point during development. Seeing more anxiety does not mean parenting has failed or that something is “wrong” with your child. It means many children’s nervous systems are under strain, and some are more sensitive than others.
What does anxiety look like in children and adolescents (it is not always obvious)?
Many children do not say, “I feel anxious.” Instead, anxiety shows up through behavior, emotions, and physical complaints.
Common signs in children:
· Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
· Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or fear of sleeping alone
· Avoiding school, activities, or new experiences
· Needing constant reassurance (“Are you sure?” “What if…?)
· Meltdowns, crying, irritability that seems out of proportion
Common signs in adolescents:
· School avoidance, perfectionism, or burnout
· Social withdrawal or intense fear of judgment
· Panic-like episodes (racing heart, dizziness, shortness of breath)
· Irritability, anger, or emotional shutdown
· Physical symptoms paired with stress or expectations
Importantly, anxiety-driven behavior can sometimes look like defiance, laziness, or “attitude.” In reality, it is often a child trying to escape overwhelming fear.
When worry crosses the line into an anxiety disorder
Parents often ask, “Is it normal or should I be worried?”
Three questions can help guide that decision:
1. Is it lasting? Anxiety has been present for weeks or months, not just a brief stressor
2. Is it intense? Reactions feel bigger than the situation most of the time
3. Is it interfering? School, friendships, sleep, or family life are affected
If anxiety is interfering with daily functioning, professional support is appropriate, and early support is associated with better long-term outcomes.
So why are some kids more vulnerable to anxiety?
Anxiety develops from a combination of factors:
· Biology and temperament (some children are naturally more sensitive or cautious)
· Family history of anxiety or mood disorders
· Life stressors, changes, or adverse experiences
· Learning patterns where avoidance or reassurance temporarily reduces distress
None of these factors is anyone's fault. They simply help explain why one child may struggle more than another.
What treatments actually work and what parents should know.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is considered the gold standard for anxiety in children and adolescents. CBT can help kids:
· Understand how worry thoughts fuel fear
· Learn coping skills for managing physical anxiety
· Gradually face fears instead of avoiding them
A key part of CBT is gentle, supported exposure, helping children practice approaching feared situations in manageable steps. This is how the brain learns, “I can handle this.”
Medication (when needed)
For some children and adolescents, especially when anxiety is severe or widespread, medication may be recommended alongside therapy. Medication decisions are individualized and should always involve careful monitoring and collaboration with a qualified prescriber.
How can parents support an anxious child without making anxiety stronger?
Steps that help reduce anxiety over time:
· Validate feelings, not fears. “I can see you are really scared.” (without agreeing that danger is coming)
· Encourage coping behavior before avoidance. Teach calming skills, then take a small step forward
· Praise bravery and effort, not just success
· Keep routines predictable while allowing flexibility for growth
· Model calm responses to uncertainty-kids learn from what they observe
What can unintentionally maintain anxiety?
· Constant reassurance (“I promise nothing bad will happen.”)
· Letting anxiety decide the rules (avoiding school, speaking for your child)
· Over-explaining or debating fears in the moment
These responses reduce distress short term, but often teach the brain that anxiety is in control.
When to seek professional help?
Consider reaching out for support if you notice:
· Persistent school refusal or frequent physical complaints
· Anxiety spreading to more situations over time
· Panic symptoms or intense distress
· Significant family disruptions or exhaustion
· Your child is missing typical developmental steps
Getting help early does not label your child-it equips them.
A reassuring takeaway for parents:
Anxiety is not a weakness. It is a misfiring alarm system, and with the right tools, children and adolescents can learn to regulate it effectively. Evidence consistently shows that skills-based therapy, gradual exposure, and supportive parenting approaches lead to meaningful improvement.
With support, anxious children do not just “cope”-they grow into confident, capable teens and adults who trust their ability to handle hard things!
This post is informed by current clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed research in child and adolescent mental health. This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, consult with a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.
References:
Polanczyk, G. V., Salum, G. A., Sugaya, L. S., Caye, A., & Rohde, L. A. (2015). Annual Research Review: A meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders in children and adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 56(3), 345–365. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12381
USPSTF. (2022, October 11). Recommendation: Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce. Www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/screening-anxiety-children-adolescents
Walter, H. J., Bukstein, O. G., Abright, A. R., Keable, H., Ramtekkar, U., Suhler, J. R., & Rockhill, C. (2020). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 59(10), 1107–1124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaac.2020.05.005
Posted: 1/3/2026
