How do I know if my teen is struggling from anxiety or depression?
- Aurelie Weinstein
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Adolescence is a turbulent time that consists of a lot of ups and downs, but for many teens, these lows are more than just temporary. Currently, anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health issues that adolescents face. Depression is also commonly faced by many adolescents. As a parent, it can be hard to distinguish between normal teen behavior and concerning signs of anxiety and depression. While anxiety and depression might present themselves one way in adults, they can present in a much different way for adolescents. If left untreated, these mental health issues can worsen and begin affecting grades, social functioning, and persist into adulthood.
At Georgia Family Therapy, we provide teen therapy in Atlanta, including Sandy Springs and surrounding communities. We create a safe, supportive space and use evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help teens process their emotions and develop crucial coping skills. Understanding and recognizing the signs of teen anxiety and depression is the first step.
Is it Normal Teen Behavior, or Something More?
As a parent, it can be very difficult to know the difference between normal teen behavior and signs of something more serious. While mood swings, eye-rolling, and wanting more privacy are all pretty standard parts of being a teenager, anxiety and depression tend to show up in ways that disrupt a teen’s daily life, not just their attitude. So what should you look for?
One of the biggest differences between “normal teen behavior” and something more serious is how much it’s interfering with school, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Anxiety, in particular, often shows up in very physical ways for teens. Frequent headaches, stomach aches, nausea, or feeling “sick” before school are common, even when there’s no medical cause. This can sometimes lead to school avoidance or school refusal, where getting out the door becomes increasingly difficult. You may also notice changes in grades, trouble focusing, or a sudden lack of motivation, especially if your teen was previously doing well academically.
Emotional changes can also look different in teens than in adults. Instead of appearing sad, teens with anxiety or depression may seem constantly irritated, annoyed, or on edge. Some teens become more defiant or oppositional, arguing more, breaking rules, or reacting strongly to small things. Others may begin to withdraw socially, pulling away not just from family, but also from close friends or activities they used to enjoy. Behaviors like staying in their room for hours and not wanting to come out and excessive worrying about looks or school can also be cause for concern. Other signs to watch for include significant changes in sleep (either struggling with insomnia or sleeping far more than usual) and changes in appetite or weight. Again, it’s not any one behavior on its own, it’s the pattern, intensity, and persistence of these changes that matters.
What Should I Do if my teen is anxious or depressed?
The most important step parents can take is to talk with their teen and try to understand what’s really going on underneath the behavior. Asking questions like, “How have things been feeling lately?” can open the door to meaningful conversations. It’s also okay, and helpful, to ask your teen directly if they’d be open to talking with a therapist or counselor about how they’re feeling.
And just as importantly, parents should remember: this isn’t all on you. Supporting a struggling teen can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reaching out for professional help is a powerful step toward helping your teen feel better and regain their confidence.
Getting help for teen anxiety and depression in Atlanta
Getting help early is the most effective way to prevent these mental health challenges from following a teen into adulthood. Research shows that 50% of all people who will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime start to show symptoms by age 14. Research also indicates that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are highly effective in treating these disorders. If treated early, and treatment is maintained, individuals are 60% less likely to experience mental health episodes in the future. At Georgia Family Therapy, located in the Sandy Springs area of Atlanta, we provide a safe space for teens to learn how to process their emotions and other crucial coping skills. If you think your teen might be suffering from clinical anxiety or depression, visit the Georgia Family Therapy website to book a free consultation and help your teen develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.
At Georgia Family Therapy, located in Sandy Springs and serving families across the Atlanta area, we provide a safe space for teens to process their emotions and build essential coping skills. If you think your teen might be struggling with anxiety or depression, you can schedule a free consultation to learn how our teen therapy services can support your family.
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