Signs of Anxiety in Children and Teens: What Parents Should Know

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Anxiety in kids and teens doesn’t always look like anxiety in adults. Sometimes it shows up as clinginess, irritability, stomachaches, “attitude,” or avoiding school. Other times, it’s quiet — hidden behind perfectionism, people-pleasing, or shutting down.

Many young people don’t yet have the language to say, “I’m anxious.” Instead, they show us through their behavior, their bodies, and their emotional patterns.

As a parent, caregiver, or teacher, knowing the early signs of anxiety can help you support your child before they become overwhelmed.

Here’s what to look for — and how therapy can help.‍

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Physical Complaints With No Clear Medical Cause

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Kids and teens often feel anxiety in their bodies before their minds understand it.

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Common physical symptoms include:

• stomachaches
  
  
• headaches
  
  
• nausea
  
  
• dizziness
  
  
• sweating
  
  
• racing heart
  
  
• fatigue
  
  
• muscle tension
  
  

If these symptoms regularly appear during:

• mornings
  
  
• transitions
  
  
• school days
  
  
• social events
  
  
• bedtime
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…it may be anxiety.

Irritability, Mood Swings, or Anger

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Anxiety isn’t always “worry.”
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For many children and teens, it shows up as:

• quick frustration
  
  
• snapping at loved ones
  
  
• emotional outbursts
  
  
• tearfulness
  
  
• irritability “for no reason”
  
  

Kids may not know how to say, “I’m overwhelmed,” so it comes out as anger instead.‍

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School Refusal or Avoidance

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School-related anxiety is extremely common and may look like:

• difficulty getting out the door
  
  
• begging to stay home
  
  
• taking excessive sick days
  
  
• avoiding specific classes
  
  
• anxiety about tests, teachers, or peers
  
  
• meltdowns around schoolwork
  
  

If school becomes a daily battle, anxiety may be driving the resistance.‍

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Withdrawing From Friends or Activities

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Children and teens may quietly pull back when their anxiety becomes overwhelming.

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Signs include:

• not wanting to go to parties or activities they used to enjoy
  
  
• declining playdates or hangouts
  
  
• isolating in their room
  
  
• sitting alone at school
  
  
• becoming quieter or more self-conscious
  
  

Often, this withdrawal is masking fear, worry, or shame.

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Perfectionism + Fear of Making Mistakes

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For some kids and teens, anxiety appears as:

• redoing homework repeatedly
  
  
• erasing and starting over
  
  
• fear of disappointing others
  
  
• meltdown when they make a small mistake
  
  
• intense self-criticism
  
  
• crying when work isn’t “perfect”
  
  

Perfectionism is often an attempt to gain control when their internal world feels unpredictable.

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Excessive Worry or “What If” Questions

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Some children verbalize their anxiety with:

• “What if something bad happens?”
  
  
• “What if you don’t pick me up?”
  
  
• “What if I fail?”
  
  
• “What if they don’t like me?”
  
  
• “What if I can’t do it?”
  
  

Others internalize it and ruminate privately.

Recurring what-ifs indicate a nervous system on alert.

Clinginess or Separation Anxiety

Children (and sometimes teens) may:

• panic when separating from caregivers
  
  
• text parents constantly
  
  
• check in excessively
  
  
• fear being alone
  
  
• need reassurance to fall asleep
  
  

This can be especially common during transitions or after stressful events.‍

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Overthinking Social Interactions

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Teens with anxiety may:

• replay conversations
  
  
• worry they “said something weird”
  
  
• feel judged or observed
  
  
• fear embarrassing themselves
  
  
• avoid raising their hand or participating
  
  

What looks like shyness may actually be social anxiety.‍

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Sleep Changes

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Anxious children and teens often struggle with:

• falling asleep
  
  
• nightmares
  
  
• nighttime panic
  
  
• waking frequently
  
  
• needing to sleep with someone nearby
  
  
• difficulty waking up (due to exhaustion)
  
  

Sleep and anxiety are closely connected.

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So… What’s Normal & What’s Anxiety?

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It’s normal for kids to:

• worry occasionally
  
  
• feel shy in new situations
  
  
• get frustrated sometimes
  
  
• have stressed school days
  
  

But when the signs are strong, persistent, or interfering with daily life, anxiety may be the underlying cause.‍

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How Therapy Helps Children and Teens With Anxiety

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At Thrive Creative Arts Therapy, we use:

• art therapy
  
  
• play-based approaches
  
  
• emotional regulation skills
  
  
• CBT & DBT-informed strategies
  
  
• mindfulness
  
  
• parent guidance sessions
  
  
• trauma-informed care
  
  

Kids and teens learn:

• how to name their feelings
  
  
• how to calm their bodies
  
  
• how to understand and manage anxious thoughts
  
  
• how to communicate their needs
  
  
• how to build confidence and coping skills
  
  

And because sessions include creativity, kids don’t feel pressured to “explain everything.”

They open up naturally, through expression and play.

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You’re Not Alone — And Your Child Doesn’t Have to Struggle Alone Either

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If your child or teen is showing signs of anxiety, early support can make a life-changing difference.

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We’re here to help your family understand what’s going on and build tools for calmer, more confident days.

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When you’re ready, we’re here.

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