Six Ways to Support Your Stressed and Anxious Teen

Parenting teens with anxiety can feel like walking a tightrope—balancing concern with encouragement, structure with empathy. Today's adolescents face intense academic, social and emotional pressures, and many families are searching for effective teen anxiety support. 

These six strategies offer practical ways to connect with your teen, ease stress and promote emotional well-being. Whether you're looking for mental health tips for teens or simply wondering how to help an anxious teen, these small daily actions can make a big difference.

1. Lead with love.

As we all get more and more stressed, we are prone, in all of our relationships, to focus on the day-to-day tasks of life and forget to truly appreciate our loved ones. Bring a physical sense of love into your heart, particularly first thing when you both get home from work or school. Be grateful for them and let them see it on your face and hear it in your voice.

2. Listen without judgment.

It is easy to fall into the habit of taking everyone else's side when teens are talking; teachers, coaches, other adults, their friends. Advice giving can easily sound like blame and criticism.  Ask "do you want my ear or my advice?" and then stick to it without crossing that line!

3. Get to know them on the daily.

Focusing on the to-do list of homework, chores and other obligations can become the default setting on dinner conversations. Instead ask "What was the weirdest thing that happened today?", tell a joke, remember what they were worried about earlier in the week and ask how it's going or "What surprised you?" Share something weird, funny, or surprising about your own day. It's about conversation, not interrogation.

4. Get outside and play.

Teens need to play. Adults need to play. A stressed-out brain is incapable of creativity. Have fun together with everyone while leaving electronics off for a few hours. Physical activity and laughter are proven to be two of the best ways to release stress and tension.

5. Take their worries seriously.

It is a stressful scary world; they have a right to be nervous. Help them feel empowered by finding a cause you can volunteer for and support together. Aim for once a month to get out and put energy into making the world a better place together. 

6. Make their friends feel welcome.

Get to know their friends. Social connection is one of the primary developmental tasks of adolescents. Creating a safe space for gathering in person benefits everyone.

You've Got This!

Helping your teen manage anxiety starts with connection, compassion and consistency. These everyday strategies offer meaningful coping tools for anxious teens and help build trust within your family. If anxiety is affecting your teen's ability to thrive, consider exploring professional teen mental health resources. With the right support, your teen can develop resilience and your family can grow stronger together.

You see the best in your teen. We do too.

If your teen or young adult is struggling with anxiety, depression or substance use, Hazelden Betty Ford offers evidence-based treatment programs tailored for ages 12–18 and ages 18–25. Our expert care team is all about getting to the heart of your teen's mental health and substance use challenges, providing the guidance, structure, skills and TLC to get them on a healthy and resilient path forward.
 

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