When “Inside Out 2” hit theaters, we watched Riley—now 13—navigate a new emotional landscape filled with voices she had never heard before. Alongside Joy, Sadness, and Anger came Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Nostalgia, each scrambling for control of her mind as Riley faced the pressures of adolescence. It was colorful, chaotic, and funny—but also strikingly real.

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Anxiety, in particular, took center stage, micromanaging every moment to keep Riley “safe” from failure, rejection, and change. For many teens and their families, that portrayal hit home. Anxiety is not just a cartoon emotion—it is a real and growing mental health concern that is affecting teens in every community, from middle school hallways to college campuses.

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The Pressures Teens Face Today

Today’s teens are navigating a world filled with intense academic expectations, shifting social dynamics, and the constant pressure to perform. School demands can feel overwhelming, especially for students balancing advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs.

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But it is not just what happens at school—the digital world plays a huge role in teen anxiety. Social media often presents a polished, filtered version of reality that teens compare themselves to daily. Add cyberbullying, peer pressure, and the fear of missing out, and the emotional load becomes even heavier.

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On top of it all, today’s teens are coming of age during times of political division, climate change concerns, and financial uncertainty—all of which add layers of stress that can be hard to process.

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What Anxiety Looks Like in Real Life

Just like in “Inside Out 2,” anxiety in teens can show up in sneaky, unexpected ways. It might look like perfectionism or procrastination. It might appear as physical complaints—headaches, stomachaches, or constant fatigue.

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Parents, teachers, and friends may also notice these warning signs:

•Sudden mood swings or irritability

•Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares

•Avoidance of social situations

•Falling grades or lack of interest in school

•Overthinking or obsessing over small mistakes

•Withdrawal from friends and activities

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It’s important to remember: anxiety is not just “nerves” or “teen drama.” It can seriously impact a teen’s mental health and development if left unaddressed.

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Pursuit Counseling’s Adam R Glendye LPC, CPCS says, “Everyone has stress and low levels of anxiety. This is normal. However, when grades decline, friend groups change, your student says no to things they used to say yes to, and when they begin to think too much like an adult with decisions, this is when we need to look a little deeper and consult a professional. Change is the key word.” 

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Why Counseling Helps

One of the most powerful tools we can offer teens is professional counseling. Therapy helps teens understand where their anxiety is coming from and gives them practical tools to manage it—much like Riley learning that not all emotions are bad, just misunderstood.

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Through counseling, teens can learn techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, cognitive reframing, and boundary-setting. These are not just coping skills—they are lifelong tools for emotional resilience.

Counseling also helps normalize conversations about mental health. When teens know they can talk openly and without judgment, they are more likely to seek help before anxiety spirals into depression or self-harm.

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Parents, too, can benefit from family counseling. Learning how to support your teen without adding to their stress is key. It is about working together—like the emotions in Riley’s mind eventually do—to create balance.

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Helping Teens Find Their Balance

By the end of “Inside Out 2,” Riley learns that all of her emotions—even the uncomfortable ones like Anxiety and Embarrassment—have a place and a purpose. They are not there to ruin her life; they are part of growing up, learning, and becoming who she is meant to be.

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The same is true for real teens. Anxiety is not a flaw or a failure—it is a signal. And when we take the time to listen, support, and guide teens through their emotional growth, we help them build the tools they need to manage life’s ups and downs with resilience.

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Just like Riley’s emotions had to learn to work together, teens need a support system that helps them sort through the chaos. That can mean open conversations at home, less pressure to be perfect, and access to counseling when needed.

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“Normalize how they feel,” says Adam Glendye. “Share times you were anxious or stressed and you had to work through it. Share how you got support from a teacher, coach, pastor, or therapist. Normalize asking for help.” 

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Because in the end, growing up isn’t about shutting out anxiety—it is about learning how to live with it, understand it, and not let it run the control panel. With the right support, every teen can learn to let Joy, Confidence, and Calm have their say, too.

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Resources for Families:

•National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org

•Teen Line: Text “TEEN” to 839863 or call 800-852-8336

•Speak with your local school counselor or healthcare provider for referrals