Teen Anxiety at School: When Everyday Stress Turns Into Panic Attacks

It’s normal for teens to feel nervous about school sometimes—whether it's starting a new semester, taking a test, or giving a presentation. But when that nervousness turns into daily dread, physical symptoms, or emotional shutdowns, it may be more than just typical stress.

You may notice your teen avoiding school, waking up with stomachaches, or breaking down over seemingly small things. If this sounds familiar, your teen could be experiencing school anxiety, and in some cases, full-blown teen panic attacks.

The good news? With the right support—like evidence-based therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)—there’s real hope for relief.

What Is EMDR?

School Anxiety in Teens

Anxiety in teens is one of the most common mental health concerns, and it often peaks around school-related pressure. School anxiety isn't just “being nervous”—it’s an ongoing, overwhelming sense of fear related to academics, peers, or even being in the school environment.

For many teens, this anxiety can show up as:

Avoiding school entirely
Trouble falling asleep on school nights
Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or fatigue before class
Perfectionism and fear of disappointing others
Difficulty concentrating or retaining information
Feeling panicked when called on or asked to present

Left unaddressed, school anxiety can evolve into teen panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear and physical distress that can be terrifying for both teens and their parents.

Am I Having A Panic Attack?

Teen panic attacks often strike without warning and can mimic serious physical health issues. Some teens describe it as “not being able to breathe” or feeling like they’re having a heart attack.

Here are common symptoms of a panic attack:

Rapid heart rate
Shortness of breath or hyperventilating
Chest tightness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Shaking, sweating, or feeling hot
An intense fear of losing control or something terrible happening

While these symptoms are very real, they’re not dangerous. But without tools to understand and manage them, your teen may start avoiding more and more situations—including school—to feel safe.

EMDR Therapy for Teen Anxiety

When your teen is stuck in a cycle of anxiety, talking about their fears over and over might not be enough...

That’s where EMDR therapy comes in.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a research-backed approach that helps teens process distressing experiences, anxious thoughts, and negative beliefs—without needing to talk about them in detail.

Here’s why EMDR is especially effective for anxiety in teens:

Helps reprocess fear-based memories (like a panic attack in class or public embarrassment)
Reduces the emotional charge behind triggering thoughts or situations
Supports the development of healthier, more balanced beliefs (“I’m safe,” “I can handle this”)
Uses body-based techniques to calm the nervous system and prevent anxiety from spiraling

Because EMDR works on a deeper level than talk therapy alone, it’s often helpful for teens who’ve tried other approaches and still feel stuck.

One high schooler I worked with had been missing multiple days a week due to school anxiety. She felt nauseous every morning and described panic in her chest the moment she thought about walking into the building.
In just a few EMDR sessions, we identified some key *triggers*—like the fear of being called on and a past experience of embarrassment in the classroom. With structured processing, she not only reduced the physical symptoms of anxiety, but began walking into school with more confidence,

How To Support Teens With School Anxiety

While therapy is key, your support as a parent makes a big difference too. Here are a few things you can do right now:

✔ Validate their feelings
Instead of “Just get through it,” try “I can tell this feels really hard for you.” Anxiety doesn’t respond to logic—but it does soften with empathy.

✔ Watch for avoidance behaviors
Skipping school, procrastinating, or staying home “sick” can feel safer to an anxious teen, but it reinforces the fear. Encourage small steps forward and celebrate progress.

✔ Consider therapy early
Don’t wait for the panic attacks to become daily. The earlier we intervene, the easier it is to break the cycle and build confidence.

You’re Not Alone—And Neither Is Your Teen

If your teen is showing signs of school anxiety or experiencing panic attacks, it doesn’t mean they’re broken or destined to struggle forever. It means they need tools—and support.

As a therapist who specializes in teen anxiety, I offer a compassionate, structured approach using EMDR therapy to help teens process fear, calm their nervous systems, and start showing up to school (and life) with more confidence and ease!

📩 Ready to explore EMDR therapy or intensive support for your teen?
Schedule a free consultation to see how we can help your child take the first step toward relief and resilience.

*For residents of NJ, FL, & VT only

Understanding Teen Panic Attacks and How EMDR Can Help