Teen Anxiety and Depression: What Parents Need to Know
This video is taken from a conversation between Teen Therapy Center Clinical Supervisor Kent Toussaint, LMFT, and Curt Widhalm, LMFT, founder of Curt Widhalm & Associates, two experienced clinicians who have spent decades helping teens and families navigate anxiety and depression.
If you’re concerned about your teen—and not quite sure what to do—you’re not alone. And more importantly, there is a path forward.
Start by Talking About It (Even If It Feels Uncomfortable)
One of the most important—and often overlooked—steps is simply talking about anxiety and depression openly.
Many parents hesitate. They worry about saying the wrong thing, making it worse, or putting ideas in their teen’s head. But avoiding the conversation can unintentionally create more shame around what your teen is experiencing.
When anxiety or depression feels like something that can’t be talked about, it also starts to feel like something that can’t be helped.
Opening the door—even imperfectly—can make a meaningful difference. It signals to your teen that they’re not alone, and that this is something your family can face together.
How to Start the Conversation Without Pushing Them Away
A helpful approach is to lead with observation, not judgment.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” or “Why are you acting like this?”, try something more grounded:
“I’ve noticed you’ve been more withdrawn lately.”
“I’ve seen you getting more frustrated or overwhelmed.”
This creates space rather than pressure.
Most teens won’t immediately respond with, “Yes, I’m anxious.” That’s normal. The goal isn’t to get a perfect answer—it’s to open a line of communication and show that you’re paying attention.
Your Teen Isn’t Trying to Make Life Hard
When anxiety or depression shows up as irritability, withdrawal, or resistance, it can be incredibly frustrating as a parent.
But underneath those behaviors is something important: your teen is trying to cope.
Instead of asking, “Why are they doing this?”, a more helpful question is:
“What’s getting in their way?”
When you shift from frustration to curiosity, you start to uncover the emotional needs driving the behavior. And when those needs are understood and supported, change becomes much more possible.
What Actually Makes Therapy Work
There are many effective approaches to treating anxiety and depression—CBT, DBT, and others.
But one factor matters more than any specific technique:
The relationship between your teen and their therapist.
When a teen feels respected, understood, and safe, they’re far more likely to engage in the process. That connection creates the foundation for real change—allowing them to challenge patterns, try new behaviors, and build confidence.
Without that trust, even the best techniques fall flat.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’re feeling worried, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next—that’s completely normal.
The good news is that anxiety and depression are highly treatable, especially when addressed early and thoughtfully.
Sometimes the first step is simply reaching out, asking questions, and getting a clearer sense of what support might look like for your family.
Trusted Resources for Parents Navigating Teen Anxiety
Below are evidence-based resources from leading mental health organizations:
Child Mind Institute
https://childmind.org/article/anxiety-in-teens/National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disordersAmerican Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
https://www.aacap.orgCDC – Children’s Mental Health
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealthHarvard Health Publishing
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-in-children-and-teens-2021040822278
By Kent Toussaint / April 23, 2026 / Uncategorized, Understanding Your Teenager
Curt Widhalm Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#47333)
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #therapy #encino #losangeles #therapist
