Is Your Son Struggling with Anxiety?

As a parent, it can be hard to know what’s really going on with your teenage son. He may seem distant, moody, or irritable—but when you ask if he’s okay, he shrugs it off or says he’s fine. You’re left wondering: Is something going on under the surface?

The truth is, anxiety in boys doesn’t always look like anxiety. It’s often hidden. Many boys feel pressure to appear calm, in control, or unaffected—even when they’re struggling inside.

At its core, anxiety is about fear:

Fear of the unknown.

Fear of not fitting in.

And the deepest fear—not being enough.

Teenage boys may not know how to name these feelings, or they may feel ashamed to admit them. They often worry about being rejected or “too much” for others to handle. So instead of opening up, they shut down—or act out.

What You Might Notice:

• Irritability or quick tempers

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities

• Perfectionism or fear of mistakes

• Stomachaches, headaches, or difficulty sleeping

Beneath these signs is often a quiet, painful struggle:

A fear that they can’t just be themselves.

Anxiety disconnects boys from their sense of safety and identity. What they need most is your calm presence, empathy, and steady reassurance.

Even though it can be hard to identify anxiety in your son, keep the lines of communication open. In those difficult moments, remind him he doesn’t have to hide any part of himself from you.

All of him is welcome in your family.