Coping Strategies for Teen Anxiety: Practical Support Tools

Teen anxiety is increasingly common and often misunderstood. Today’s adolescents face a unique mix of academic pressure, social media influence, and life transitions that can feel overwhelming. Recognising the signs of anxiety and knowing how to offer meaningful support is key to helping your teen feel safe, capable, and confident.

So, how can you help?

1. Normalise Emotions
Let your teen know that anxiety is a normal human response, especially during times of change or stress. Encourage open conversations about how they’re feeling. Listen without judgement, and avoid minimising their concerns—even if they seem small to you.

2. Encourage Healthy Routines
Regular sleep, nutritious food, and physical activity have a huge impact on mental wellbeing. Support your teen in creating balanced routines that include time to rest and disconnect from screens.

3. Teach Simple Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness, deep breathing, and grounding exercises can help calm a racing mind. These anxiety-reducing techniques are easy to learn and can be used anywhere at school, at home, or before bed.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it often leads to avoidance. Help your teen break schoolwork or responsibilities into smaller, manageable tasks. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

5. Know When to Seek Support
If anxiety is affecting your teen’s daily life, relationships, or self-esteem, it may be time to seek professional help. At Counselling Gloucestershire, we offer compassionate, age-appropriate therapy for teenagers and families.

You don’t have to face this alone. With the right support, your teen can learn to manage anxiety and build long-term resilience.

Explore our services for young people on this website and reach out via the contact form.