Resource

Anxiety resources for children, youth and families

Group of teens smiling for a photo outside

Feeling worried or nervous is a normal part of everyday life. Everyone feels anxious from time to time. Mild to moderate anxiety can help you focus your attention, energy and motivation. If anxiety is severe, you may have feelings of helplessness, confusion and extreme worry that are out of proportion with the actual seriousness or likelihood of the feared event.

Looking for other support options and information? Check out our Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use section to find services, resources and more for support with mental health and substance use. 

Featured resources

Bounce Back

BounceBack

A free mental health skill-building program based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for people aged 13+ experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression.

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cymhsu

Anxiety Canada

A registered charity and non-profit organization providing accessible, self-help, peer-reviewed and trusted resources on anxiety.

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youth-children-cymhsu-anxiety

My Anxiety Plan (MAP) for Children and Teens

MAP is a resource for parents and caregivers to “coach” anxious children or teens using practical strategies and tools to manage anxiety. MAP includes 6 units with 46 lessons.

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Kelty-Mental-Health

Kelty Mental Health | Anxiety

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More resources

    • MindShift® CBT App

      A free app with proven strategies based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety.

    • Y-Mind Teen

      A free seven-week mental wellness program for teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn and practice evidence-based strategies to help manage anxiety.

    • Kelty Mental Health | Breathr App

      Breathr provides opportunities for youth and young adults to try a variety of mindfulness practices that can be used anywhere.

    • Taming Worry Dragons

      A creative approach to CBT and psychoeducation designed to help anxious children learn how to cope with their worries. Interactive activities and worksheets that parents and child can use to conquer anxiety and fear.

    • Confident Parents Thriving Kids: Anxiety

      A skill-building program designed to help parents support their children aged 3 to 12 who are experiencing mild to moderate challenges with anxiety.

    • Social Anxiety Disorder

      Anxiety Canada

    • Depression

      Canadian Mental Health Association

    • EASE at Home Grades K-7

      EASE K–7 lessons are for parents and caregivers to help children manage worries and everyday anxiety at home.

    • Dealing with Depression

    • Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)

      Resources and support list created by CHEO, a global leader in pediatric health care and research.

Books

  • Taming Worry Dragons
  • Dragon Worries
  • Bye-Bye Time
  • When I miss you
  • A Thought is a Thought
  • What to Do when You Worry too much
  • The Ant Hill Disaster
  • Treating Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety: A Guide for Caregivers

Find information on services available for mental health and substance use for children and youth.