Posted on March 22, 2025

As a youth advocate and speaker, I’ve witnessed firsthand the alarming rise in teen anxiety. This isn’t just a passing phase—it’s a crisis. If you interact with teens in any capacity, whether as a parent, educator, or mentor, you’ve likely seen it, too.

In my book Teen Anxiety No More, I dive deep into this growing issue, breaking down why it’s happening and, more importantly, how we can help teens navigate it. Today, I want to share key insights about this challenge and practical ways we can support the teens in our lives.

Understanding Teen Anxiety

As I emphasize in my book, “Our fear response is triggered when we do not know the outcome of a ‘new’ situation.” That fundamental truth explains so much about the heightened anxiety teens experience today. They are navigating an increasingly complex world filled with unprecedented uncertainties.

Teens today face constant pressure—academic stress, social comparison, fear of failure, and overwhelming expectations—all while still trying to figure out who they are, often in a very public space.

A Growing Crisis

Through my work with teens across the country and around the world, I’ve seen a troubling shift. More and more teens are expressing deep despair and emotional exhaustion, believing they can’t escape their fears, failures, or pressures. This isn’t just normal adolescent ups and downs—it’s persistent, life-altering anxiety affecting their academic performance, relationships, and overall well-being.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves:

• 1985: 18% of incoming college freshmen reported feeling overwhelmed.
• 2000: That number rose to 28%.
• 2016: It skyrocketed to 41%.
• 2007-2012: Anxiety disorders in children and teens increased by 20%.
• 2024 Pew Research Survey:
  68% of U.S. teens (ages 13-17) say anxiety and depression are extremely common (30%) or somewhat common (38%) in their schools.
  58% report bullying as common.
  49% indicate drug use is prevalent.
  43% say physical fights occur frequently.
  40% report common alcohol use among peers.

This is the reality teens face every single day.

The Social Media Factor

One of the biggest contributors to rising teen anxiety? Social Media.

Teens aren’t just keeping up with classmates—they’re competing with the entire world. Social media fosters constant comparison, unrealistic expectations, and a never-ending cycle of pressure. It amplifies fear of missing out, cyberbullying, and the need for validation, leading to increased anxiety, lower self-esteem, and a deep sense of not being "enough."

What Parents Need to Know

If you’re a parent, here are key warning signs of teen anxiety:

• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Changes in social circles or energy levels
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Declining academic performance
• Excessive indulgence in food, drinking, or partying
• Irregular eating or sleeping patterns

How Parents Can Help:

• Stay Involved—Notice patterns and changes early.
• Share Your Own Stories—Teens need to hear that you’ve struggled, too.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions—“How “is it different today from when I was a teen?”
• Acknowledge Their Challenges—Let them know they are courageous for navigating today’s world.
• Gradually Offer Independence—Trust is built over time through responsibility.

Finding Peace and Purpose in the Uncertainty

As I emphasize in my book, “The purpose of life for ALL of us is to CREATE the person we want to become! To live happy, healthy lives now, we must find our unique way to contribute to and serve our fellow humans.” Let’s help teens find that purpose.

One of the biggest anxieties teens face is the belief that they must have life figured out early on. I remind them often—on my YouTube channel, in my book, and at speaking engagements:

“Your purpose is not something you need to discover before high school graduation or college. It will evolve, shift, and grow into something greater than you can imagine.”

Encourage teens to focus on:

1. Enjoying simple moments and appreciating those around them.
2. Pursuing what they value and doing it with excellence.
3. Treating others with kindness and offering support.

💡 “YOU are HERE NOW! Not ten years ago or ten years from now. YOU have been destined to live, learn, share, give, and exist in THIS VERY moment, and I PROMISE YOU there is such an unbelievably UNIQUE reason for YOU!” – Jovanna Vidal

Leading by Example

One of my core messages to teens is:

“Lead by example! Be THAT leader, especially when it’s hard, difficult, or lonely.”

When they embrace authenticity and trust that challenges are figureoutable (one of my favorite Jovannaisms!), anxiety begins to lose its grip.

But here’s the thing—we, as adults, need to do the same. Parents must stay involved while offering independence when earned. Teens today are facing challenges unlike any previous generation. They need guidance, reassurance, and most of all, grace.

The Path Forward

Teen anxiety isn’t going away—it’s evolving. As the world changes, so do the pressures teens face. If we, as adults, often struggle with stress, overwhelm, and insecurity, imagine what it’s like for them.

Yet, here’s the good news…

They are resilient, capable, and full of potential! Our role as parents, educators, and mentors is to remind them of that, to walk beside them, and to create a world where they feel seen, heard, and empowered.

For more resources, support, and information about mental resilience in teens, subscribe to my YouTube Channel: @thisisjovanna