Anxiety in adolescence is more common than we think. School pressures, social media, body changes, peer relationships — all of these can create a feeling of overwhelm.
Signs to watch for
Not all teens express anxiety the same way. Some signs include:
- Avoidance of school activities or social situations
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Physical symptoms: headaches, stomachaches
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Declining school performance
What we can do
CBT is particularly effective for teen anxiety. We teach teenagers to recognize anxious thoughts, evaluate them realistically, and develop coping strategies.