Category: Teen Counseling

Today, there are many different factors as to why teens are more likely to develop anxiety than there were 30 years ago. The development of technology, more emphasis on academic success, and societal pressures — to name a few. As adults, we may not be able to understand the reasons behind a teenagers’ anxiety. Below is a list of 4 common causes of teenage anxiety, and how to support these kids through the challenges of adolescence.

1. High Expectations

In the academic world today, there is a lot more pressure to do well in school and move on to higher education. Colleges are competitive, and it can be an added challenge to try and find a job right out of high school with no experience. More teenagers today have part-time jobs and are engaged in extracurricular activities at school, all while trying to maintain good grades and a social life. These expectations can leave teens feeling stressed with little to no time to decompress and take time to relax.

2. Hormones and Brain Development

The life stage of adolescence is a monumental time for growth and development. Hormones are flowing, bodies are changing, and this can cause a lot of emotional reactions. Teenagers may feel a variety of emotions such as anger, depression, and anxiety — for seemingly no reason.

The range of emotions felt is likely due to the hormonal fluctuations. During this time period, their brain is also still developing. They are learning what it means to be an “adult” and take on more responsibility, while also trying to balance and understand the meaning of emotions. This can cause a lot of stress on an adolescent, and in turn, cause anxiety symptoms.

3. Peer Pressure

Friendships, social identities, and trying to “fit in” puts a lot of pressure on teenagers. Peer pressure can be positive or negative, both equally as stressful. Teenagers want to find their place and form connections with others. This may cause them to conform and act a certain type of way, perhaps contradicting the way in which the child normally acts.

Another form of anxiety can come from dreading social interactions with others. Whether it’s caused by bullying, or just feeling like they don’t belong, social anxiety is extremely common during the adolescent period. Some kids may just be more shy than others. It does not mean they are necessarily anxious, they just need more comfortability while socializing. The pressure of feeling like they need to make friends, however, may also cause some anxiety.

4. Parental and Caregiver Relationships

Teenagers are at that stage of life where they are torn between wanting their parents or caregivers approval, as well as wanting to rebel against them. This can cause strain on both sides of the relationship. Parents and caregivers will discipline and correct behavior often during this stage, which comes across as disapproval to teens. Feeling like they have disappointed their caregivers, teenagers may feel some stress and anxiety. They are just figuring out their place in society, and eventually will grow out of feeling rebellious.

How to Manage Teenage Anxiety

It’s important for caregivers to validate and listen to their teen when they’re experiencing anxiety. Ask questions, be supportive, and help the child problem-solve. Encourage communication, a healthy diet and exercise, engaging with social supports, and pleasurable activities. Reassure them that they are not alone and help them find coping skills or relaxation techniques to help with anxiety.

One of the best ways to manage teenage anxiety is to get them in touch with a mental health professional. Counseling provides a safe space for teens to understand and overcome their anxiety. Caregivers may be present during these sessions as well to be included in the healing process. Schedule a consultation today, and help your teen find ways to calm the relentless anxieties.

 

Published November 11, 2023 by Mary Ellen Benz

Updated November 3, 2025

Teenagers tend to get stereotyped for sometimes being “lazy.” They want to stay up late and sleep in, spend their weekends playing video games during the day and hanging out with friends at night, and maintain a diet of ramen noodles and hot Cheetos. 

While that might be an exaggeration and certainly isn’t true for every teen, most parents understand that it’s normal for their teenager to be a bit unmotivated from time to time. 

But there’s a difference between occasional laziness and a genuinely unmotivated teen. If your teenager never wants to do anything, they don’t show ambition for getting a job, they’re struggling in school, and their relationships are starting to suffer, it could be a bigger problem than you originally thought. 

Thankfully, you can motivate your unmotivated teen with a few effective strategies.

1. Be a Good Role Model

It might seem like your teenager is never watching you for advice, but they are. They’re paying closer attention than you might think. 

So, be an active role model when it comes to getting things done — even when you don’t necessarily feel all that motivated yourself. Have a positive attitude about things like going to work, doing chores around the home, or even spending time with friends and family. 

You are still the best role model your teen could possibly have. Seeing how you handle everyday life and the attitude you have as you tackle your responsibilities can inspire them to be the same way.

2. Notice the Positive Things

It’s hard for anyone to feel motivated when they don’t feel like what they’re doing is “worth it.” Take the time to notice the positive things your teenager does and point them out. That’s especially true for small things. 

Maybe your teenager took out the trash without being asked. Say something like, “I noticed you took the trash outside to the bin, and I really appreciate that.” It might be a small chore, but that recognition will likely make them want to do it again in the future.

3. Develop an Understanding

There could be something deeper going on that’s causing your teen’s lack of motivation. Don’t hesitate to get to the bottom of it, if possible. 

That doesn’t mean you have to nag or criticize them to get to the root cause. Instead, seek to understand what they might be going through. Maybe they’re struggling with some issues at school or within their friend circles. Maybe they’re worried about the future. 

If you think their lack of motivation could be stemming from something else, talk to them. Everyone wants to be heard and understood. It just might take a little extra encouragement for your teen to open up.

4. Motivate Them with Their Interests

You know your teenager better than anyone. If they’re struggling to stay motivated, try starting small by encouraging them with things they already enjoy or are interested in. If they’ve had a certain hobby for years, support it. 

For example, if your teen has always had a love of music, encourage them to get more involved by showing your own interest. That could include anything from going to a record store together to buying them a new instrument. When you’re able to plant small seeds that fuel their interests, the motivation they have for that passion can seep out into other areas of life. 

Seeing your teen struggle with motivation isn’t always easy. But taking the time to help them as much as possible can make a difference in that struggle. Give these tips a try and keep communication with your teenager open so you’ll always have an understanding of how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. 

If nothing else, don’t be afraid to encourage them to reach out and seek support through our teen counseling program. Together, we can help them get to the bottom of why they are struggling to stay motivated.

 

Published by  Mary Ellen Benz Updated October 1, 2025