Chronic anxiety doesn’t just live in a teen’s head — it can change their whole body.

When a teen feels anxious every day, their body starts living in “emergency mode.”

Their brain acts like there’s danger all the time, even when nothing scary is happening.

This can make it harder for them to focus, learn, and even control their emotions.

Their body gets stuck in overdrive, too.

The stress hormones that help us run from danger stay high for too long.

That can mess with their growth, their sleep, and even their appetite.

Some teens stop feeling hungry. Others eat more for comfort.

Some toss and turn all night — and since the body grows while it rests, missing that sleep means their development can slow down.

Anxiety can also make their heart race, their stomach hurt, and their muscles ache.

They might get sick more often because their immune system is worn out from all that stress.

Here’s the important part:

Your teen isn’t “lazy,” “dramatic,” or “making it up.”

Their body is literally carrying the weight of their anxiety every single day.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is remind them they’re safe, help them slow down, and show them ways to calm their body — because when the body feels safe, the mind can finally breathe too.

- Adam Scott

Original Publish: 08/03/2025