A mental health expert tells News 12 that asking open ended questions is one way to ease young people's anxiety, especially academic anxiety.

When an adolescent's anxiety runs high, signs to look out for include conveying an indifferent attitude and having stomach aches or headaches.

Some might also try to avoid attending school – procrastinating in the morning to intentionally delay going to class or miss the bus.

"They might be worried about failing and would rather not even start or not even try and act like they don't care," says Jody Baumstein, a therapist with Strong4Life.

Baumstein and other mental health experts recommend adults ask young people open ended questions from Understood.com once they return from school, such as:

-What made you laugh today?

-Which subject was your favorite today?

-What was the best part of your day?

They say people usually learn more when asking these types of questions, along with validating responses as opposed to dismissing them.

Focusing on teen's academic efforts and not the entire outcome also reduces academic pressure.

Baumstein says it's also helpful for young people to find a balance between school and other activities and know that school does not need to be their identity.