Questions kids and teens ask
Real questions about worry, anxiety, and getting help, answered by the Coping Cat team.
Do I have an anxiety disorder?
First, it is totally normal for kids and teens to feel some anxiety, especially during hard life events like a new school, family conflict, a big game or test, or applying for a job or college. Anxiety is not only normal, it can be helpful: it lets us know when we might be in danger and helps us get ready to respond.
But if you feel anxious when there is no real danger, or you feel too much anxiety, it can be exhausting. It can get in the way of daily routines, school, family, and even friendships.
The good news: whether or not you have an anxiety disorder, there are things you can do to manage stress and anxiety so it doesn’t get in the way. Check out our Helpful Strategies and Books for Teens. If you want to see whether you might have too much anxiety, try the Symptom Checker. It will give you ideas about what to do next. (It was made for parents, so just ignore it when it says “your child.”)
What causes anxiety disorders?
Research tells us anxiety likely comes from a mix of things: family history or genetics, brain and body chemistry, and your own behaviors, thoughts, and experiences. We don’t know exactly what causes it for each person, but we do know several things that make anxiety stronger and make it last longer.
Knowing the facts about what keeps anxiety going is a great first step in learning to manage it. This website and the books we recommend are good places to learn. You should also talk with a parent or trusted adult about the worries or fears you’ve been having, and ask if they can help you find a therapist or doctor nearby to decide if treatment could help.
What treatment options are there?
A kind of therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and some medications, have been found to work well for anxiety in young people. You might be surprised: CBT doesn’t mean going to a therapist for the rest of your life! A therapist helps you learn ways to feel less anxious and more in control of your stress and fears.
For some people, CBT and medication together work better than either one alone. Learn more on our Treatment Options page.
How well do treatments work? How long do they take?
CBT (and some medications) help about 60% of kids and teens with anxiety disorders (between 50% and 70% across studies). CBT and medication combined have been found to help about 80%.
The time it takes is different for everyone, but CBT is usually brief: about 10 to 16 meetings. That’s about as long as a soccer or swim season. A little practice and help can make things a lot easier for a long time. Talk with a parent or a trusted adult about the worries or fears you’ve been having, and ask if they can help you find a therapist or doctor nearby to decide if treatment could help.