Child and Teen Anxiety: How to Identify Signs, Symptoms, and When to Get Help

As a parent, it's natural to care deeply about your child or teen’s emotional well-being. But how can you tell when typical growing-up worries have shifted into something more persistent, like anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns among children and adolescents. Yet it can be difficult to recognize. Why? Because it often presents in subtle, age-specific ways, and kids don’t always have the vocabulary to explain what’s happening inside.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• The most common signs of anxiety in children and teens

• How symptoms differ between younger children and adolescents

• When professional intervention may be helpful

• How therapy can offer meaningful relief and tools for long-term growth

How Anxiety Manifests in Children

Anxiety in children doesn’t always look like fear or panic. Instead, it may show up through physical complaints or behavioral changes. If your child seems different lately and you’re noticing some of these signs, it could signal something deeper.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Children

• Unexplained stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue

• Emotional outbursts during transitions or unfamiliar situations

• Intense reactions to small frustrations or unexpected changes

• Sleep disruptions—difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or waking early

• Avoiding school or once-enjoyed activities

• Excessive perfectionism or people-pleasing

• Restlessness, fidgeting, or difficulty sitting still

• Ongoing concerns about family safety or future events

• Trouble completing tasks or following directions

• Regressing to younger behaviors, such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting

Recognizing Anxiety in Teens

Adolescents can be tough to read. Many changes are developmentally expected, but when persistent anxiety begins to interfere with school, relationships, or daily functioning, it’s important to take notice.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Teens

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or social events

• Regularly skipping school or avoiding responsibilities

• Intense pressure to succeed, especially with academics or performance

• Mood volatility, irritability, or increased sensitivity

• Use of substances to manage emotional discomfort

• Difficulty staying focused or organized

• Sleeping too little—or excessively

• Harsh self-talk or constant anticipation of negative outcomes

• Panic symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath

• Excessive screen use as a form of avoidance

When to Consider Professional Help for

It’s completely normal for kids and teens to worry from time to time. But when anxiety becomes disruptive—interfering with school, sleep, friendships, or family routines—it may be time to consult a mental health professional.

Key Indicators: It’s Time to Reach Out

• Anxious thoughts that persist for several weeks or longer

• Frequent physical symptoms like headaches or nausea

• Recurring sleep issues linked to racing thoughts

• Avoidance of activities they used to enjoy

• Extreme reactions or emotional shutdowns

• Difficulty functioning in daily environments (home, school, peers)

• Any talk of self-harm or hopelessness

How Therapy Can Make a Difference

The encouraging truth is this: anxiety in kids and teens is highly treatable. With the right therapeutic approach, they can build coping tools, develop resilience, and regain a sense of balance.

Effective therapy often includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Exposure-based approaches

• Mindfulness and grounding techniques

• Collaboration with parents and caregivers

Noticing Signs of Anxiety in Your Child? You’re Not Alone in This.

If your child or teen’s struggles are starting to feel bigger than everyday worries, it may be time to seek support. At La Jolla Therapy Center, we’re here to walk alongside your family with care and clarity.

Our San Diego, California-based counseling practice specializes in helping teens and adults who struggle with anxiety. Through counseling, we help kids and young adults overcome the negative thought cycles, the constant comparison game, and worst-case scenarios that accompany the anxious brain. Additionally, we offer other mental health services, primarily for perfectionists, overachievers, or others who don’t feel like they 100% fit in. More specifically, we offer treatment for anxiety/OCD and depression at La Jolla Therapy Center. If you don’t live around San Diego or the commute makes in-person therapy impossible, all of our services are available via online therapy to anyone physically located in California. Therefore, we work with clients from Sacramento to Palo Alto or even Mountain View. You and your family deserve to finally feel less overwhelmed. Get started today by scheduling your free phone consultation with a member of our team here.