Books To Help Teenagers Struggling With Stress and Anxiety

by Melissa Taylor

Photo credit: Ayse Mardinly / EyeEm, EyeEm Collection/Getty Images

Teens are experiencing more anxiety than ever before. The best thing we can do as parents is to compassionately support our struggling teens, letting them know we value their mental health as much as their physical health. We must tell our teenagers that it is not a failure to experience stress, anxiety, or depression, and that it’s okay, brave even, to recognize it and ask for help. We hope these books give your teen practical ideas and encouragement.

We believe in books but realize that sometimes a book is not enough. Consult an adolescent therapist if you need more support.

Lastly, don’t forget about fiction books. Stories can help teens know they’re not alone, that they’re not the only person in the world going through anxiety and depression. Consider recommending your teen readthese YA novels about mental illness.

 

Thanks to Virginia Hood, LPCC; Misha Grodt, MA, LPCand Angela Wall, Ph.D. for their input on this article.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in 2023.