If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night, heart racing, or constantly overthinking conversations, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges for youth and young adults — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

At our mental health clinic, we work with young people every day who are trying to figure out what’s going on inside their minds. If you're between the ages of 9 and 21 and wondering “Why am I like this?”, this post is for you.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Anxiety can show up in many different ways. Some common symptoms include:

• Overthinking or replaying situations in your head
• Feeling tense, restless, or easily overwhelmed
• A racing heart or tight chest
• Stomachaches, headaches, or nausea with no clear cause
• Avoiding certain places, people, or tasks
• Trouble focusing, especially in school or during conversations
• Feeling like something bad is going to happen — even when things seem fine

For some people, anxiety feels like a constant background buzz. For others, it hits hard in certain moments — like before a test, at a party, or during social interactions.

Why Do I Have Anxiety?

There isn’t one reason. Anxiety can come from:

• Stressful environments (school pressure, family conflict, bullying)
• Past experiences (trauma, loss, instability)
• Biology (genetics, brain chemistry)
• Big changes (moving, breakups, social transitions)
• Perfectionism or fear of failure

You’re not weak for feeling anxious — it’s your brain trying to keep you safe. The problem is, sometimes it works too hard, even when there’s no real danger.

When Is Anxiety a Problem?

Everyone feels anxious sometimes. It becomes an issue when:

• It happens a lot
• It keeps you from doing things you enjoy
• It messes with your school, sleep, or friendships
• It doesn’t go away, even when the stressful thing is over

That’s when it might be time to reach out for support — and no, that’s not being dramatic.

What Can Help Me Feel Better?

You don’t have to handle anxiety alone. There are effective ways to manage it:

• Talk therapy: A licensed therapist can help you understand your triggers and learn tools to calm your mind and body.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy teaches you how to shift anxious thought patterns.
• Mind-body tools: Breathing exercises, movement, grounding skills, journaling, and sleep routines all make a difference.
• Medication: Sometimes, meds are helpful — especially when anxiety is severe. That’s a decision you’d make with a mental health provider.

The point is: help exists. Anxiety is real, but it’s also treatable.

What If I’m Not Ready to Talk to Anyone Yet?

That’s okay. Just start by noticing your patterns. Keep a journal or tracker of when you feel anxious. Learn what helps and what makes things worse. You can also check out apps, podcasts, or books made for teens dealing with anxiety.

But don’t wait too long. The sooner you get support, the easier it is to feel better and get back in control.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means you’re human. You’re growing, learning, and figuring yourself out — and that’s messy sometimes. But you deserve to feel calm and confident.

If you’re struggling, our clinic is here for you. We specialize in working with youth and young adults just like you. Whether you need a space to vent, a plan to cope, or just someone who gets it — we’re ready when you are.

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