Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu explores but doesn't explain anxiety; suicide mentions.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Anxious Nation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Parents say this documentary is an essential viewing that sheds light on the profound impact of anxiety on families, while providing a platform for authentic stories from children and expert insights. It encourages open discussions about mental health and highlights the need for empathy, understanding, and diverse solutions to support those affected by anxiety.
- mental health awareness
- diverse stories
- family conversations
- expert insights
- empathy and support
- real-life impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 1 kid review
What's the Story?
ANXIOUS NATION examines what may be driving the recent marked increase in youth anxiety disorders. Affected teens and their parents share their stories of anxiety's impact on their lives, and mental health experts weigh in on causes and management techniques.
Is It Any Good?
Youth anxiety and depression are undoubtedly important topics, but -- despite good intentions -- they feel underhandled here. There are myriad causes of anxiety, and the Anxious Nation filmmakers lay out everything that could possibly be the culprit, raising lots of questions in the process and providing more hints than solid answers. Plus, the differing socioeconomic distinctions that impact the featured kids' experiences may lead to a feeling of dissonance in some viewers. For instance, one storyline follows a White tween singer in New York whose OCD diagnosis appears to stem from her critical stage parent. But another featured teen is a young Black man whose mental health crisis stems from two traumatic incidents in his life -- his family being held at gunpoint by police when he was 8 and his brother dying from a drug overdose 12 years later.
Some of the storytelling flow can also feel contradictory, as when a segment illustrating the negative mental health effects on kids who are seeking approval on social media is followed by the story of a popular, outgoing teen who found instant success and at least temporary validation on TikTok. While Anxious Nation may provide comfort through community, what parents and kids need most are concrete, effectively described solutions -- and there's just not enough of that here, in this reviewer's opinion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication shared by the cast in Anxious Nature. Do you think the teens show courage in sharing their stories and videos of themselves in crisis? How are they examples of perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Teens: Are you comfortable talking about mental health with your friends and peers? What about with parents or other adults?
What are three things from the film that you related to or that struck you as notable?
Why do you think the rate of youth anxiety and depression has risen dramatically? What stressors do you feel? What should you do if you're worried about a friend or family member? What resources are available to help both kids and adults? (If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.)
What are the effects of constant connectivity through smartphones, social media, and the media on kids' mental health? On the other hand, what are the effects of isolation on our mental health? Where do you think there could be a happy balance?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 5, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : May 5, 2023
- Directors : Laura Morton , Vanessa Roth
- Studio : Area 23a
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : School ( High School , Middle School )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate