Anxiety resources for children and young people
Key points about anxiety resources for children
- Many tamariki and rangatahi get anxious for all sorts of reasons.
- Here are some books, videos and videos of books that might be useful if you have an anxious child.
- There are also places where teens and young adults can ask for help or find somebody to talk to, and links to websites providing a range of anxiety and mental health resources.
Video: Guided square breathing exercise in 2 minutes
With this video, boost your superpowers of calm and focus by breathing as Puffer Fish keeps time.
Watch and listen to these books for children on emotions associated with anxiety.
Video: Aroha's way – a children's guide through emotions
Video: I feel anxious by Aleks Harrison
A children's book about overcoming anxiety
Video: How to tame my anxiety monster
People to talk to:
Youthline(external link) Free 24/7 call 0800 37 66 33, free text 234, email or chat through the website
What's up?(external link) Free call 11am–11pm 7 days a week 0800 942 8787, email or chat through the website
Resources
There is a way through – a guide for people experiencing stress, depression and anxiety(external link) HealthEd, NZ, 2025
The Lowdown(external link) A space created with rangatahi, for rangatahi. Find support here for your hauora, identity, culture and mental health
Sparx(external link) Building resilience through gameplay. Also has a mood quiz(external link)
Video: Fight, flight, freeze – anxiety explained for teens
Mental Health Foundation(external link), NZ
Le Va for Youth(external link) Tools, resources and workshops to help Pasifika youth care for their mental health and holistic wellbeing
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
