7 Commonly Overlooked Signs of Anxiety in Teens

Oftentimes, kids and teens come to therapy with certain behavioral symptoms that parents have tried time and time again to correct with no success.

The parents will feel discouraged, out of ideas, and confused. One of the first things a good therapist will do is assess for symptoms of anxiety. Why? Because anxiety in teens gets misconstrued and misunderstood all the time.

Anxiety in teens does not present in the same way externally as it does in adults.

In fact, their symptoms of anxiety don’t even present externally the way they feel internally. This has to do with a lot of different things:

• The stage of brain development they are in

• Their hormones

• How their peers respond to them

• Etc.

In sum, your teen may be struggling with anxiety and it could not seem like it at all.

One of the biggest struggles with anxiety is feeling a lack of control over areas where the person feels like they need control. This is why some of these symptoms arise, even though they may not seem connected.

So, what are some of these commonly overlooked signs that your teen may be struggling with anxiety?

Physical symptoms

Otherwise known as somatic symptoms. Sometimes, teens’ symptoms of anxiety can manifest as aches or pains in their bodies. Or just overall physical changes. This includes:

1. Headaches or migraines

2. Stomach aches

3. Frequently using the bathroom

4. Complaining of aches with no obvious medical cause

5. Excessively tired

6. Weight changes

7. Changes in eating habits

Grades dropping

Another symptom of anxiety that often gets misread by parents is when a teen’s grades are dropping. Sometimes this can be seen as “slacking off” or “being lazy.” But, their anxiety may be affecting them in a negative way every day. If this spreads to interrupting their sleep, it may lead to lower school performance. This may include:

1. Falling behind on deadlines

2. Missing assignments

3. Feeling overwhelmed about school and/or homework

4. Difficulties concentrating on school and/or homework

5. Procrastinating on homework or projects 

Emotional changes

Many emotional changes that teens will go through when they struggle with anxiety often get mistaken for having an attitude. Or, going through a phase. In reality, a lot of these changes are reactions to having an excessive amount of worries and anxiety. These changes could be:

1. Being on edge

2. Restless/ jittery

3. Being irritable

4. Unexplained crying

Changes in the way they socialize

One of the biggest tell-tale signs that a teen is struggling with anxiety is if they go from being more sociable to being withdrawn. This often gets misunderstood and parents may read this sign as one for depression. This could look like this:

1. Isolating from friends or friend group

2. Avoiding interactions with friends

3. Dropping out of extracurriculars such as sports and clubs (or wanting to drop out)

4. Spending more time alone

Change in sleep pattern

An anxious mind has a very difficult time shutting off. Your teen may be thinking about all the tests, projects, and other worries when it is time for them to be getting sleep. But, anxiety is also worsened by poor sleep, thus creating a vicious cycle. Here are some things you may be noticing in your teen’s sleep patterns if they are struggling with anxiety:

1. Difficulties falling asleep (like running downstairs for a midnight snack)

2. Not feeling well-rested in the mornings

3. Difficulties staying asleep

4. Not looking refreshed 

5. Frequent nightmares

Behavioral changes

This is a big one that clinicians see in sessions a lot. Families may come in because they are having a hard time managing the behaviors of their teens. Many times, this is an overlooked symptom of anxiety that can cause stress on the family and strain on the relationships. Especially when the other family members do not recognize where the changes are coming from. These changes might look like:

1. Unexpected outbursts or meltdowns

2. Giving attitude or talking back

3. Acting out

4. Getting in trouble

Panic attacks

Not everybody who struggles with anxiety has panic attacks, but some do. This symptom can be easily mistaken for something physical because it can be so intense. Here are the signs to look out for:

1. Intense heart rate

2. Trouble breathing

3. Sweating

4. Shaking

5. Nausea

6. Stomach pain

7. Shivering

8. Feeling like they are going crazy

9. Derealization

10. Numbness

11. Chest pain

Anxiety in teens is something a mental health clinician will assess for. Especially when they are presenting with any of these symptoms. You may feel confused about some of your teen’s recent behaviors or feel worried that they may be struggling with anxiety. If so, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation with Amel Counseling today!

Begin Counseling for Teens in Philadelphia, PA

You and your teen deserve support in overcoming your anxiety symptoms. Our team understands that this is much easier said than done. So, we would like to offer support from our Philadelphia, PA-based therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:

1. Contact Amel Counseling

2. Meet with a caring therapist

3. Start coping with grief and start living a full life!

Other Services Offered with Amel Therapy

Counseling for teens isn't the only service offered by our team of therapists. Our Philadelphia, PA-based practice offers a variety of services both in-person and online. Mental health services offered include therapy for trauma, grief, and play therapy. We offer support for children, teens and kids of color, and parents. We also offer support groups including worry warriors, culturally confident teen group, and teen girls group. You can also learn more by visiting our blog or by learning more about our team today!