by Lauren Goodman | Apr 16, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
Why Understanding What Causes Anxiety in Teens is Important
If you’ve noticed your teen has been very anxious lately, you’re probably wondering why. It’s vital to know what causes in anxiety in teens because before you can help your teen, you must understand the cause of the problem. What causes anxiety in teens varies from case to case, but there are some things that most teenagers have in common.
5 Things That Cause Anxiety in Teens
Below, in a random order, are five things that cause anxiety in teens.
1. The News
Over the years, I have worked with countless teenagers who are in a panic over something they saw or read in the news. Because the news rarely reports positive events, it’s easy to feel anxious after reading or watching it. Stories about school shootings, wars, disease, etc. can significantly raise teen (or adult) stress.
2. Problems with Friends
When friends are fighting or having drama, teens feel their whole world has turned upside down. Though as a parent you have the perspective to understand everything will probably work out, it doesn’t feel this way to teens. This is often a big part of what causes anxiety in teens.
3. Pressure to Get Good Grades
This is a constant source of anxiety for just about every teenager I see in my office. Most teenagers feel they need to do better than they are doing, even when they have a 3.5 or 4.0 GPA. Help your teen set reasonable goals and then be satisfied when these are reached.
4. Parents Expressing Disappointment
Many teenagers act as if they don’t care that their parents are disappointed in something they did. However, this isn’t actually how they feel. Nearly every teen I’ve ever worked with cares deeply about what their parents think. They just don’t want to let it show. If they feel constantly criticized, their stress tends to increase. This is a huge part of what causes anxiety in teens.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t correct your teen when they do something wrong, it’s just important to do it the right way. Discipline your teen lovingly but firmly. Avoid any phrasing that your teen might perceive as an attack on them directly rather than a single action.
5. Dating
Navigating dating and sexuality can be really challenging for teenagers. Whether they are very shy and barely let themselves have a crush, or they are constantly dating and already sexually active, it can create a lot of stress. It’s important to help your teen make wise choices during this stage. Keep in mind, if they’re not getting guidance from you, they’re getting it from other teenagers. Who’s more likely to give good advice? Instead of ignoring it or completely forbidding dating (which often leads to sneaking), set clear boundaries and stay involved without being intrusive.
Final Thoughts on What Causes Anxiety in Teens
If your teen consistently expresses worry about one or multiple of these things, it may be what’s causing your teen’s anxiety. Even if you’re still not sure about what’s at the root of your teen’s stress, try addressing these areas and see if you’re teen’s anxiety starts to improve. Once you find the problem and work to help your teen through it, hopefully they’ll be on the path back to their normal selves.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 9, 2026 | Depression Therapy for Teens
Without meaning to, we’ve let our kids fill their minds with intellectual junk food. We’re taught to be careful about what we eat so our bodies stay healthy, but we don’t always think about what we’re feeding our minds. However, how media affects teens (or really anyone) is more important than we tend to realize. Many teens spend the majority of their free time on social media, TV, and whatever they find online.
Adolescence is a stage where teens are heavily influenced by what they read, hear, and see. As parents, it’s our job to guide them toward things that will actually help them grow. This includes everything from TV shows to online content.
You can’t control everything your teen sees, but you can set limits. That might mean not allowing shows with nudity, sexual content, heavy cursing, or drug use—whatever doesn’t match your values. These things are so common now that we’ve become used to them. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.
What’s Become “Normal”
For example, I was watching sports a while back and a bra and underwear commercial came on. Years ago, something like that would have actually been considered pornographic. Now, it feels completely normal because we see it so often—even during sports programs families watch together. It’s important to stop and think about whether you’re okay with your teen seeing that kind of content.
So what should your teen be watching or listening to? The answer depends on your values.
In our home we follow the Christian faith, so our kids spend some of their time using apps and content that help them grow in their faith. In my cousin’s family, education and culture were really important. My aunt showed movies to my cousin from different countries to help him learn about other ways of life. These weren’t boring documentaries—just meaningful stories from different perspectives. That intentional choice made a big difference as he grew up.
There also needs to be some kind of limit on social media. How you handle it is up to you. You might limit screen time, or encourage your teen to follow and interact with positive role models in addition to friends.
One good thing about social media is that teens can actually interact with people they look up to. That can be powerful when used the right way.
Setting a Good Example
The last thing to think about is your own habits. When considering how media affects teens, you also need to think about how it affects you. What are you watching? How are you spending your free time? If your teen sees you constantly watching low-quality shows or scrolling instead of doing something meaningful, that sends a message.
If you realize you’re not feeding your own mind well, try making small changes. It’s not always easy, but the example you set can have a huge impact on your kids.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 9, 2026 | Teen Anxiety Therapy
What Are the Benefits of Sports for Teen Girls?
Teen girls who play organized sports get into a lot less trouble. Girls who play sports have substantially lower rates of dangerous behavior. Girls involved in athletics are less likely to try drugs or alcohol, tend to delay sexual activity, and may engage in sexual activity less often. They also show increases in positive behaviors including higher GPAs, higher graduation rates, a more positive body image, and higher self-esteem. These are some of the key benefits of sports for teen girls.
Structure, Support, and Community
Athletics provide a sense of structure, accountability, and a close group of friends. Exercise benefits both mind and body and reduces rates of depression. Girls who participate in high school sports develop a sense of belonging to their school. They also develop more school pride which translates to increased engagement with their community.
Reducing Anxiety Through Sports
Playing sports also helps reduce overall anxiety. While some anxiety can arise from the pressure of competition, the benefits of sports for teen girls generally outweigh the stress. Physical activity, being outdoors, social interaction, and focusing on a sport all contribute to lower anxiety levels. Besides, sports are fun!
Encouraging Self-Esteem and Connection
If your daughter struggles with self-esteem or risky behavior, signing her up for a sport can make a significant difference. It also creates a natural opportunity for parent-teen communication—talking about a recent game or practice allows for connection in a relaxed setting. For many parents, sports become a bridge for relationship-building, another key benefit of sports for teen girls.
Focusing on Growth, Not Pressure
It’s important not to put excessive pressure on your child. Very few high school athletes make it to collegiate or professional levels, and that shouldn’t be the focus. What’s most important is that your child enjoys the sport, makes friends, and develops character. Their growth, enjoyment, and well-being should come first, not winning or elite performance.
Overall Benefits of Sports for Teen Girls
Getting your daughter involved in sports can help support and improve her mental, physical, and social well-being. It can strengthen your relationship with your daughter by giving you something to connect over. If your daughter doesn’t play a sport, talk to her about what she might want to try. Even if she resists at first, once she find’s a sport she likes, she’ll probably start having fun and feeling happier.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Apr 2, 2026 | Christian Counseling
How Morning Routines Can Reduce Anxiety
Living anxiety-free means actively making choices to reduce stress. Incorporating morning routines to reduce anxiety is a powerful way to start. Our lives are fast and intense—we’re always trying to get ahead. We push our kids to earn good grades, involve them in multiple extracurricular activities, work long hours ourselves, and take only short vacations. How we start our day is one of the most overlooked keys to reducing anxiety.
A slower, intentional morning can set the tone for the entire day. Instead of rushing or filling your mind with “to-dos,” focus on what brings calm and clarity.
Avoid Anxiety Triggers First Thing
Many people watch or read the news in the morning. Rarely does a program balance positive events with negative ones. Even good news is often spun in a way that increases worry—keeping you glued to the screen. Remember that most of what you hear on the TV or read on your phone is out of your control. Focus instead on what you can influence and let the rest go.
Instead of looking at your phone or turning on the television, try taking a moment to notice something beautiful outside, or say a simple “thank you” for the blessings in your life. Shifting your focus first thing in the morning helps reset your mind and reduces anxiety before it even begins.
Build a Positive Morning Routine
Start with something uplifting—read your Bible, pray, call a friend, or enjoy your coffee slowly. Even ten mindful minutes in the morning can influence the entire day. Beginning with anxiety makes it much harder to shake off later, so intentionally replace stress with calm.
Help your child to do the same. Make them a good breakfast, sit with them, and keep the conversation light and positive. Avoid discussing classes, tests, or chores during this time. A calm, positive start builds resilience for the day ahead.
The Impact of Morning Routines to Reduce Anxiety
A consistent, intentional morning routine doesn’t just make you feel better—it models healthy habits for your kids. When they see you starting the day calmly, they’re more likely to follow your example. Small, daily rituals can have a huge impact on overall mental health and family well-being.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
by Lauren Goodman | Mar 26, 2026 | Parenting Techniques
Understanding Mental Health Stigma in Teens
For people who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and other challenges, it can be hard to talk openly with family and friends. For teens, this is often even harder. Mental health stigma in teens is very real, and peer reactions can feel unpredictable.
On the surface, many teens seem accepting. But behind the scenes, there can be gossip and a lack of confidentiality. In my work with teenagers, I’ve seen that they are not always great at keeping sensitive information private. If your teen shares something personal—like taking medication—there’s a good chance others may eventually hear about it.
Two Common Approaches Parents Consider
Because of this, parents are often left choosing between two approaches.
Approach #1
The first is to encourage teens to keep their mental health struggles private. While this may protect them from teasing or judgment, it can also unintentionally create shame. It can also put teens in uncomfortable situations too. For example, if they go to spend the night at a friends house and need to take a pill before going to bed, their friend may be curious. Since they’ve been told to keep their struggles private, your teen will feel compelled to lie.
Approach #2
The second approach is to help your teenager work through feelings of shame. I often remind my clients that even if they don’t realize it, several of their peers are also in therapy or taking medication. I try to help them realize that probably some of the popular, athletic, or high-achieving kids at their school are getting support too. Nearly everyone has emotional struggles at some point in their life, and when teens realize this, they start to feel less self-conscious about their own struggles.
Helping Teens Feel Confident Despite Mental Health Stigma
When teens begin to feel confident in who they are, regardless of a diagnosis, something shifts. They stop seeing their struggles as something to hide. And when that confidence grows, their peers often follow their lead. If your teen is comfortable, others tend to be more comfortable too.
There’s also a real benefit to having a few trusted friends who know what’s going on. On hard days, those friends can offer support in a way that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
A Real-Life Example
I worked with a teen who struggled with OCD. Some of her behaviors were noticeable in social settings. Instead of hiding it, she chose to be open and matter-of-fact. She would simply say she had OCD and move on—even laugh about it at times.
Her friends quickly became more comfortable. They followed her lead. Over time, something unexpected happened—other teens began opening up to her about their own struggles. Because she refused to give in to mental health stigma in teens, she became a safe and supportive person for others.
Why Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Teens Matters
Stigma makes people want to hide. It convinces them to deal with things alone. Unfortunately, that usually makes the struggle harder. When I went through an eating disorder in high school, I didn’t tell anyone. It wasn’t until later, when I became more open, that I started getting the support I needed. That support was the beginning of real healing. That’s what you want for your teen—not isolation, but connection and support.
How Not Giving In to Mental Health Stigma in Teens Helps
Helping your teen navigate mental health stigma isn’t easy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But reducing shame and encouraging safe, supportive connections can make it that much better.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT
