Anxiety and fears related to puberty: What is normal and when to be concerned

Puberty is one of the most challenging developmental periods, not only in terms of biological and physical changes, but also in terms of mental health. Anxiety and fears can arise quite naturally at this age, but sometimes they can escalate into more serious forms that require understanding and timely support.

Why are adolescents prone to anxiety?

Puberty is accompanied by rapid hormonal changes (especially estrogen and testosterone) that also affect brain function, particularly the limbic system and prefrontal cortex. 

The result is increased emotional reactivity, impulsivity, and more difficult stress regulation.

At the same time, adolescents face a number of developmental tasks:

• identity formation,

• separation from parents and establishing peer relationships,

• increased pressure to perform at school,

• changes in the perception of their body and themselves,

• doubts about their own worth, orientation, and the meaning of life.

All of this creates fertile ground for the emergence of anxiety, fears, and depressive tendencies.

Typical forms of anxiety in adolescence

• Social anxiety (social phobia): Fear of judgment, rejection, or humiliation; fear of speaking in front of the class or making new contacts.

• Generalized anxiety: A vague but persistent feeling of tension, fear of the future, school, health.

• Panic attacks: Sudden attacks of anxiety accompanied by somatic symptoms (heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness).

• Specific phobias: Fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., injections, animals, dentists).

• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms: Compulsive thoughts or rituals.

• Physical symptoms of anxiety: Abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances—without physical cause.

When is it normal worry and anxiety, and when is it a disorder?

Anxiety is normal and functional if:

• it has a clear cause (e.g., an exam, a new situation)

• it is temporary and manageable

• it does not restrict the child in their everyday life

On the other hand, we should be alert if:

• it lasts longer than a few weeks

• it significantly disrupts school attendance, relationships, sleep, or eating habits

• the child begins to avoid normal situations (school, friends, family)

• self-harming tendencies or thoughts of death appear

How parents can help their child during puberty

1. Be open and receptive

Talk to your child without judging. Don't downplay their concerns ("it's nothing") – for them, it is "something."

Reassure them that it is normal to be afraid and that they are not alone.

2. Help them name their emotions

Adolescents often cannot recognize exactly what they are feeling. Help them distinguish between fear, anger, anxiety, and shame.

"It seems to me that you feel overwhelmed – is that right?"

3. Build routine and security

A regular routine, healthy sleep, and a peaceful family environment are key.

Avoid overloading them with activities; give them space to rest.

4. Encourage self-awareness and coping strategies

Teach your child to breathe consciously, use a journal or drawing to express their emotions.

Try techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and creativity.

5. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if necessary

A psychologist or psychotherapist can offer your child a safe space to express themselves and work through their emotions.

Early intervention can prevent the development of more serious disorders.

A practical example of coping with anxiety in adolescence

Tomáš (14) has recently been complaining of stomachaches. He refuses to go to school, has trouble sleeping, and shuts himself in his room at home. At first, his parents suspected "laziness" or "puberty," but eventually they began to talk to him more. It turned out that he was very afraid of speaking in front of the class, feared ridicule from his classmates, and felt inferior. The school psychologist and regular therapy focused on increasing self-confidence and coping with anxiety-provoking situations helped.

 

Anxiety during puberty is common, but it should not be trivialized. The right support from the family and, if necessary, professional help can guide a child through this difficult period so that they emerge with greater resilience, a healthy relationship with themselves, and trust in adults. Let's remember that understanding often heals more than words alone.

 

 

Sources:

https://sancedetem.cz/problemy-s-uzkosti-strachem

https://sancedetem.cz/nejcastejsi-psychicke-problemy-v-dospivani

https://www.pediatriepropraxi.cz/pdfs/ped/2005/03/02.pdf

https://is.muni.cz/th/gt43a/Vybrane_psychologicke_aspekty_deprese_u_adolescentu.pdf