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Teenagers often exhibit behaviors like slamming doors, throwing tantrums, or having sudden outbursts of tears during family meals. While some may dismiss these as typical adolescent angst or rebellion, they could actually indicate deeper struggles with anxiety.

Identifying Signs of Depression in Teens

Natasha Riard, a clinical psychology lecturer and psychology clinic manager at James Cook University Singapore, described anxiety as a powerful force that overwhelms both mind and body, according to CNBC. 

"Once the panic attack starts, it's like a train that has left the station, and it's only going to stop when it reaches the next one. The journey between those stations is the experience of the attack," Riard said.

Recognizing signs of anxiety in teenagers can be challenging for parents. Psychologists note that adolescents, like adults, exhibit fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses to stress. Flight responses may include panic, crying, or shaking, while freeze responses involve withdrawing and becoming silent.

"Parents need to think about the meaning behind their children slamming doors and shouting. Could they be anxious about something?" Riard added, noting the importance of interpreting these actions beyond face value.

Moreover, some teenagers display a "high-functioning" anxiety where they outwardly appear fine while struggling internally. Lisa Coloca, psychologist and director at Bloom Psychology Group, points out that appearances can be deceiving, and what seems normal on the surface may conceal significant emotional turmoil.

"Young people often avoid how they're feeling and do their best to appear that everything is okay by appearing busy in a chaotic situation. What you see on their face or behavior may not be what's going on underneath," Coloca noted.

Eli Lebowitz from Yale Child Study Center Anxiety and Mood Disorders Program advises parents to watch for physical signs like shortness of breath or changes in skin tone during anxiety episodes. He reassures that while anxiety attacks can be frightening, they are not dangerous, urging parents to remain calm and supportive.

Tips for Supporting Anxious Teens

Timing matters: Approach discussions about managing emotions when your teen is calm, not during moments of intense anxiety. Offer support and reassurance that you're there to listen whenever they need.

"Don't expect your child to be able to talk about it while they're in the grip of really intense anxiety. You have to give them some time to calm down," suggested Lebowitz, who is also the author of "Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD."

Share personal experiences: Help your teen feel less alone by sharing your own experiences with anxiety in a supportive and non-threatening manner.

"Parents need to normalize this and talk about their own internal dialogue around anxiety as well, while being mindful to have open communication in a non-threatening way," Michelle Savage, another psychologist and director at Bloom Psychology Group and Bloom Community, suggested.

However, psychologists interviewed by CNBC pointed out that parents should avoid discussing "big and inappropriate" issues, such as financial problems or marital difficulties, with their children.

Validate their feelings: Avoid dismissing or downplaying your teen's emotions. Allow them space to express their fears and anxieties without jumping to solutions.

"Validating that your child is anxious is not going to make them more anxious. It will make them feel understood and more likely to talk to you about it in the future as well," Lebowitz said.

Understanding and managing teen anxiety requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to listen. By recognizing early signs and providing appropriate support, parents can help their teens navigate through challenging emotional landscapes.