Understanding Child and Teen Anxiety: Types, Signs, and How Counseling Can Help

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges facing children and teens today. Between academic pressure, social changes, and life’s uncertainties, it’s understandable that young people may feel overwhelmed at times. But when worry becomes excessive or starts interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we specialize in helping children, teens, and their families understand and manage anxiety in a healthy way. In this article, we’ll explore the most common types of anxiety in kids and teens, the signs to look for, and how therapy can make a difference.

Why Do Children and Teens Experience Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but for some kids and teens, anxious feelings become persistent and intense. Factors that can contribute to anxiety include:

  • Biology and Genetics: A family history of anxiety can increase the likelihood of developing an anxiety disorder.

  • Environment: Stressful life events, academic pressure, or social challenges can trigger or worsen anxiety.

  • Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can affect mood and emotional regulation.

Understanding these factors helps parents respond with empathy and find the right support.

Common Types of Anxiety in Children and Teens

Anxiety doesn’t look the same for every child or teen. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Kids with GAD experience excessive worry about everyday situations—school performance, friendships, safety, or family matters. They often:

  • Overthink worst-case scenarios

  • Struggle to relax

  • Experience physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches

2. Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety goes beyond shyness. It’s an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. Teens with social anxiety may:

  • Avoid group activities or speaking in class

  • Worry for days before social events

  • Experience sweating, rapid heartbeat, or nausea when interacting with peers

3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety. Common examples include:

  • Excessive handwashing

  • Repeatedly checking that doors are locked

  • Needing things to be “just right” to feel safe

4. Separation Anxiety

More common in younger children, this involves extreme distress when separated from caregivers. A child might:

  • Refuse to go to school

  • Experience nightmares about separation

  • Complain of physical symptoms when apart from parents

A boy has hands on head. This is what anxiety can look like. Anxiety treatment in Dallas, TX can provide help. Contact a child therapist in Dallas, TX for support with child therapy and other services.

Photo by Ben Hershey on Unsplash

Signs Your Child or Teen May Be Struggling with Anxiety

While occasional worry is normal, anxiety disorders often show up through these signs:

  • Frequent stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause

  • Avoiding school, friends, or activities

  • Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue

  • Irritability or frequent meltdowns

  • Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes

If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it might be time to seek help.

How Therapy Helps Kids and Teens with Anxiety

At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we use evidence-based approaches to help children and teens understand their anxiety and build coping skills. Therapy often includes:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps kids recognize anxious thoughts and replace them with healthier ones.

  • Play Therapy:: Children process their emotions through play in a safe, controlled environment.

  • Family Support: Parents learn tools to support their child’s progress at home.

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where your child feels understood and empowered.

FAQs About Child and Teen Anxiety

1. How do I know if my child’s anxiety is “normal” or a disorder?

Occasional worry is normal, but if your child’s fears are persistent, intense, and interfere with school or daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder.

2. Can kids grow out of anxiety?

Some children do, but without support, anxiety can become more severe over time. Early intervention helps children develop lifelong coping skills.

3. What can I do as a parent to help my child?

Listen without judgment, maintain routines, and avoid over-reassuring. If anxiety persists, seek professional help from a counselor experienced in child and teen therapy.

4. Does therapy really work for anxiety?

Yes! Research shows that CBT and related therapies are highly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in children and teens.

Getting Help in Dallas

If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to face it alone. At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we provide compassionate, specialized care to help kids feel confident, calm, and capable.

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. Together, we can help your child thrive.

1.    Contact Sunrise Counseling 

2.    Meet with one of our caring therapists

Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX 

Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include:

Gayla Sahl