Anxiety can look different in teens than it does in adults, and it doesn't always look like obvious worry. Some teens express it outwardly, while others turn it inward.

Common signs of anxiety in teens include:

• Excessive worry about school, friendships, family, health, or the future, even when things are objectively okay
• Avoiding situations that cause fear or discomfort, like social events, school, or activities they used to enjoy
• Physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches, or nausea that don't have a clear medical cause
• Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
• Irritability or being easily startled
• Trouble concentrating because their mind is racing
• Seeking frequent reassurance from parents or others
• Extreme perfectionism or fear of making mistakes

Social anxiety, which involves intense fear of embarrassment or judgment in social situations, is also common in teens and can lead to isolation and school avoidance.

Depression in teens doesn't always look like sadness. In fact, irritability and anger are often more prominent in depressed teenagers than tearfulness.

Signs of depression in teens include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or emotional numbness lasting two weeks or more
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they used to care about
• Significant changes in sleep, either sleeping much more or having trouble sleeping
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Fatigue and low energy, even after adequate sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
• Declining grades or school attendance
• Increased irritability, anger, or agitation
• Talking about death, feeling like a burden, or not wanting to be here

If a teen expresses thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or if you find evidence of self-harm, take it seriously and reach out for help right away. This warrants immediate professional attention.

There's no single reason a teenager develops anxiety or depression. These conditions arise from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors:

• Genetics. Mental health conditions often run in families. If a parent or close relative has experienced anxiety or depression, a teen may be more vulnerable.
• Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain, play a significant role in mood and anxiety regulation.
• Life experiences. Trauma, loss, bullying, family conflict, and academic pressure can all contribute to the development of anxiety or depression.
• Social media and technology. Constant comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure of an always-on digital world can fuel anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
• Big life transitions. Starting high school, moving, a breakup, or the loss of a friendship can trigger or worsen symptoms.
• Hormones and development. Adolescent brain development and hormonal changes can affect mood regulation in significant ways.

Understanding that these conditions have real biological and environmental roots, and are not the result of weakness or bad choices, is essential.

One of the most powerful things a parent can do is create an environment where mental health is something that can be talked about openly, without judgment.

Some approaches that often help:

• Choose a low-pressure moment. A casual conversation during a car ride or walk can feel less intimidating than a formal sit-down.
• Lead with curiosity, not concern. Instead of "I'm worried about you," try "You seem like you've had a hard time lately. Do you want to talk about it?"
• Listen more than you respond. Resist the urge to immediately fix or minimize. Sometimes teens need to feel heard before they're ready to accept help.
• Validate their feelings. Avoid saying "you have nothing to be stressed about" or "things aren't as bad as they seem." This can make teens feel misunderstood.
• Normalize mental health. Talk about therapy, mental health care, and emotional struggles the same way you'd talk about physical health.
• Share your own experiences. Briefly sharing that you've also struggled sometimes can reduce the shame a teen may feel.

If your teen shuts down the conversation, don't force it. Let them know you're available and check in again later.

While professional support is important when anxiety or depression is significant, everyday habits and a supportive home environment matter a great deal too.

• Protect sleep. Sleep deprivation worsens both anxiety and depression. Help your teen maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Encourage physical activity. Regular movement has a well-established positive impact on mood. Even a short daily walk can help.
• Limit social media and screen time, especially in the evening. Passive scrolling is particularly linked to lower mood in teens.
• Make sure your teen has at least one trusted adult they can go to, whether that's you, another family member, a coach, or a school counselor.
• Check in regularly, not just when things seem hard. Consistent connection matters.
• Model healthy coping. How you handle stress, disappointment, and difficult emotions teaches your teen more than any conversation.

Reach out to a healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms have lasted more than two weeks and don't seem to be improving
• Your teen's ability to function at school, at home, or with friends is significantly affected
• Your teen is avoiding school, activities, or relationships they used to value
• You're seeing signs of self-harm or your teen has expressed thoughts of suicide
• Your teen is using substances to cope
• Your instincts as a parent are telling you something is wrong

If your teen expresses suicidal thoughts or you're concerned about immediate safety, contact a crisis line or take them to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.