Anxiety in Young People — NZ Condition Guide | KiwiMeds

Anxiety in Young New Zealanders

Anxiety is the most common mental health issue among young people in New Zealand. Studies show that around 1 in 4 young New Zealanders (aged 15–24) will experience an anxiety disorder. Youth anxiety often presents differently from adult anxiety and can have a significant impact on education, relationships, and social development. The good news is that anxiety responds well to treatment, especially when identified and addressed early.

How Anxiety Looks in Young People

Young people with anxiety may: refuse to go to school or avoid certain social situations, appear clingy, have frequent stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause, have trouble sleeping or concentrating, seek constant reassurance, be very hard on themselves, have meltdowns that seem out of proportion, or withdraw from activities they previously enjoyed. Anxiety in teens may look like irritability or anger rather than obvious worry. Panic attacks — sudden intense surges of fear with physical symptoms — are more common in adolescents than is often appreciated.

Common Types of Anxiety in Young People

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) — constant, excessive worry about many things. Social anxiety — intense fear of social situations and being judged. Separation anxiety — excessive fear of being away from parents/caregivers (can persist into adolescence). Specific phobias — intense fear of specific objects or situations. School refusal — avoiding school due to anxiety (not the same as “wagging”). Performance anxiety — affecting exams, sports, or public speaking.

What Parents and Caregivers Can Do

Listen without judgement — validate feelings without reinforcing avoidance. Gently encourage facing fears rather than completely avoiding them (avoidance makes anxiety worse over time). Maintain routine. Model calm behaviour. Seek help early — do not wait to see if they “grow out of it.” Contact the school — many NZ schools have school counsellors.

Treatment in New Zealand

The first port of call is the GP, who can assess and refer. Effective treatments include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT — adapted for youth), family therapy, and school-based support. Medication (SSRIs such as sertraline) may be recommended for moderate to severe anxiety, usually in combination with therapy. In NZ, access to free youth mental health support includes school counsellors, Youth One Stop Shops (YOSS), and the Youth Primary Mental Health and Addictions service. Headspace NZ, Lowdown (thelowdown.co.nz), and 1737 (free text/call) are important youth-specific resources.

NZ Resources for Young People

Key NZ resources: 1737 (free mental health helpline — call or text anytime), The Lowdown (thelowdown.co.nz — for teens), Youthline (0800 376 633), Anxiety NZ (anxiety.org.nz), ReachOut NZ (reachout.com/nz). For parents: Parent Help (0800 568 856), Mental Health Foundation NZ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I push my child to face their anxiety? Gradual exposure (gently facing feared situations with support) is a key part of anxiety treatment. Complete avoidance makes anxiety worse over time. Work with a therapist on a graded approach. Is medication safe for young people? Antidepressants (SSRIs) are used for anxiety in young people when therapy alone is insufficient. They are carefully monitored by doctors. Will my child’s anxiety affect them their whole life? With the right support, most young people with anxiety learn to manage it very effectively.

Supplements That May Support Management

⚠️ Important: The supplements listed below have varying levels of clinical evidence. They are not a substitute for prescribed medications and should only be considered as adjunctive support under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Always inform your GP or pharmacist before commencing any supplement, as interactions with prescribed medicines are possible.

• Magnesium Glycinate — Magnesium modulates the HPA (stress) axis and GABAergic neurotransmission. Deficiency is associated with heightened anxiety and stress reactivity. Supplementation at age-appropriate doses (2–6 mg/kg/day) may reduce anxiety symptoms in young people with inadequate dietary intake.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA-dominant) — Meta-analyses support omega-3 EPA supplementation for reducing anxiety, with evidence applicable to adolescents. EPA modulates neuroinflammation and supports serotonin receptor function.
• Vitamin D — Low vitamin D is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents. Supplementation is warranted where deficiency is confirmed.
• L-Theanine — L-Theanine from green tea promotes relaxation without sedation via alpha-wave promotion. Age-appropriate doses (50–100 mg for younger adolescents, 100–200 mg for older teens) may reduce situational anxiety.
• Zinc — Zinc deficiency is associated with anxiety and mood disturbance in adolescents. Supplementation at RDI-appropriate doses may support neurological function.

Relevant Vaccinations

Individuals living with anxiety in young people may benefit from the following vaccinations. Please discuss your vaccination status with your GP or practice nurse, as eligibility and funding through the New Zealand National Immunisation Schedule may apply.

• HPV (Gardasil 9) — Funded in NZ for all students in Year 8. HPV vaccination protects against HPV-related cancers and genital warts. Ensuring vaccine series completion is an important preventive health measure.
• Influenza (annual) — Illness is a major stressor in young people and can exacerbate anxiety. Annual vaccination is recommended particularly for those with health conditions.
• COVID-19 — COVID-19 illness is associated with anxiety exacerbation and post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms. Age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccination is recommended.
• Meningococcal (MenACWY and MenB) — Young people, particularly secondary school and tertiary students, are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Discuss vaccination status with your GP.

Dietary Guidance

Evidence-based dietary modifications play a meaningful role in the management of anxiety in young people. The following foods are generally recommended as part of a balanced, condition-appropriate diet. A referral to a registered dietitian may be beneficial for personalised nutritional planning.

• Gut-supporting foods (fermented foods, fibre) — The gut-brain axis is central to anxiety and mood in young people. Diets high in fermented foods and diverse fibre are associated with better mental health outcomes in adolescent studies.
• Regular balanced meals (avoid skipping breakfast) — Blood glucose instability exacerbates anxiety symptoms. Regular eating patterns with protein at each meal support stable mood and cognitive function.
• Omega-3 rich foods (oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed) — Supports neurological development and modulates the inflammatory pathways relevant to adolescent anxiety.
• Limit: caffeine (energy drinks, coffee), ultra-processed foods — Caffeine significantly worsens anxiety and panic symptoms, particularly in young people who are often more caffeine-sensitive. Energy drink consumption is a modifiable anxiety risk factor in adolescents.
• Colourful fruits and vegetables — Rich in micronutrients and antioxidants supporting nervous system health. The Mediterranean dietary pattern in adolescents is associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression.

Related Conditions & Medications

Related medications: Sertraline. Related conditions: Anxiety, Depression.