Signs of Anxiety in Teens Parents Might Miss
Teen anxiety doesn’t always look like worry. Sometimes it looks like anger, avoidance, or stomachaches.
The short answer
In teens, anxiety often hides behind irritability, avoidance of school or activities, physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches), perfectionism, or withdrawal. It’s easy to read as attitude or laziness when it’s really distress.
What to do
Stay curious rather than corrective, keep the door open, and consider therapy if it’s persistent or interfering with life. A teen having a trusted adult outside the family can be a game-changer.