We all feel anxious from time to time — before an exam, a big presentation, or a difficult conversation. That’s completely normal. But when those feelings stick around for weeks or start to interfere with sleep, concentration, or relationships, it might be something more.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australia, and it can affect anyone — teens, parents, and adults of all ages. The good news? With the right support, anxiety can be managed, and life can start to feel calmer and more balanced again.
How Anxiety Can Show Up
Anxiety doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Sometimes it’s obvious — racing thoughts, panic attacks, or feeling frozen with worry. But other times, it’s more subtle.
In adults, anxiety can look like:
- Struggling to fall asleep because your mind won’t switch off
- Tightness in your shoulders, neck, or jaw
- Feeling irritable or on edge for no clear reason
- Trouble focusing or making decisions
- Digestive issues like nausea or loss of appetite
In teens, it can be harder to spot. Anxiety might show up as:
- Avoiding school or social events
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- Becoming unusually moody, sensitive, or withdrawn
- Worrying a lot about grades, appearance, or fitting in
- Pushing themselves too hard or fearing they’ll disappoint others
Parents often describe it as feeling like something’s “off,” even if their teen can’t quite put it into words.
Why Anxiety Happens
There isn’t one single cause of anxiety — it’s usually a mix of things.
- Family history: If anxiety runs in the family, you may be more likely to experience it too.
- Personality: Teens and adults who are sensitive, perfectionistic, or highly driven often experience more anxiety.
- Life experiences: Big changes like moving schools, relationship stress, or work pressure can all play a role.
- Health and lifestyle factors: Hormonal changes, caffeine, poor sleep, or too much screen time can make anxiety worse.
For young people, social pressure and constant online connection can really heighten those anxious feelings. When everyone seems “perfect” on social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind — even when you’re doing just fine.
Healthy Habits That Help
While anxiety can’t always be prevented, there are simple things that can make a big difference day to day:
- Move your body: Exercise helps burn off excess stress and boosts mood.
- Get enough sleep: Keep a consistent bedtime routine and switch off screens before bed.
- Eat balanced meals: Limit caffeine, sugar, and energy drinks, which can make anxiety worse.
- Take breaks from your phone: Social media can feed anxious thoughts — unplug when you need to.
- Try mindfulness or breathing exercises: Even five minutes of calm breathing can reset your nervous system.
For parents, encouraging these healthy routines — without judgment or pressure — can go a long way in helping your teen feel supported.
When to Reach Out for Help
If anxiety starts to:
- Last for weeks or months
- Affect school, work, or relationships
- Cause panic attacks or physical symptoms (like chest pain or stomach issues)
- Lead to avoiding friends or activities
- Feel completely overwhelming
…it’s time to talk to someone.
That “someone” might be a trusted friend, parent, school counsellor — or a psychologist who can provide professional support. Evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help retrain the mind to manage anxious thoughts more effectively.
Sometimes, medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist can also help alongside therapy. Every person’s journey looks different, but the key is starting the conversation early.
Support Services in Australia
If you or someone you care about is struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone — and help is available right now.
- Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: Mental health support and resources – 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au
- MindSpot: Free online therapy and mental health assessments – mindspot.org.au
- Headspace: Support for young people aged 12–25 – 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au
- Centre for Clinical Interventions (CCI): Free self-help workbooks – cci.health.wa.gov.au
For more info, check out:
You Don’t Have to Face It Alone
Anxiety is treatable — and reaching out for help early can make a huge difference. Whether you’re a teen navigating school stress or a parent feeling stretched too thin, support is available.
At Takes Care Specialist Centre, our experienced psychologists provide a safe, understanding space for you to talk through what’s going on and find strategies that work.
Call 07 3870 9388 to book a confidential session today. Contact Us today.
Together, we can help you take the next step toward feeling more balanced, calm, and in control.