Anxiety, Depression & Hypermobility: What Parents Need to Know

Understanding the Mental Health Side of Chronic Pain in Teens & Young Adults

When we talk about hypermobility, we often focus on the physical challenges - joint pain, fatigue or dislocations. But there’s another side that’s just as important: mental health.

If your child lives with hypermobility, you might notice signs of anxiety, low mood, irritability or social isolation. And you’re not imagining it - research shows a strong link between hyper mobility and mental health conditions, especially hypermobility with anxiety and depression.

This blog will help you understand that connection, what signs to look out for and how you can support your teen or young adult emotionally, as well as physically.

The Hidden Link Between Hypermobility and Mental Health

Mental health challenges in hypermobile people aren't just a response to pain - they can also be the result of how the brain and body are wired.

Here’s why your child may be more vulnerable to anxiety and depression:

🧠 Nervous System Sensitivity

People with hypermobility often have differences in how their nervous systems respond to stress. The same connective tissue that affects their joints also impacts the gut, heart, and brain, making them more reactive to both physical and emotional stimuli.

💓 Dysautonomia (e.g., POTS)

Conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which are common in hypermobility, cause physical symptoms that mimic anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and breathlessness - leading to confusion and misdiagnosis.

💥 Chronic Pain and Exhaustion

Ongoing pain, fatigue and limitations can understandably lead to low mood, frustration, isolation and eventually depression. Your child may feel like they’re falling behind or missing out on typical experiences.

🗣️ Feeling Dismissed or Misunderstood

Many hypermobile young people are told they’re “just anxious” or “imagining it.” Over time, this invalidation can lead to feelings of helplessness, self-doubt and loneliness.

Signs of Anxiety & Depression in Hypermobile Teens and Young Adults

You know your child best - but some signs may be subtle or easy to overlook. Here’s what to watch for:

✅ Emotional signs:

• Increased irritability or mood swings

• Withdrawal from friends or hobbies

• Avoidance of new or unfamiliar situations

• Tearfulness or frequent emotional overwhelm

  
  

✅ Physical signs (often mistaken for medical symptoms):

• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping

• Fatigue that worsens with stress

• Changes in appetite

• Increased pain during anxious or emotional times

  
  

✅ Behavioural signs:

• Avoiding school, social events or conversations

• Becoming overly reliant on routines or control

• Saying things like “What’s the point?” or “No one gets it”

  
  

Supporting Your Child’s Feelings of Anxiety & Depression With Hypermobility

1. Validate Their Experience (even if you don’t understand it)

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply say:

• “I believe you.”

• “You’re not overreacting - your feelings are valid.”

• “This sounds really hard. How can I help?”

  
  

Avoid minimising their pain or stress. What seems like a “small” challenge to you may feel huge to them, especially when they’re managing multiple symptoms at once.

2. Support Mental Health Care That Understands Chronic Conditions

Not all therapists understand hypermobility or chronic illness. Help your child find someone who does.

✅ Look for:

• Therapists experienced in chronic pain or invisible illnesses

• Providers offering CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for chronic conditions

• Counsellors available through school, university or online platforms

  
  

💡 Tip: Don’t wait for a crisis. Even just a few sessions can give your child valuable coping tools.

3. Help Them Rebuild a Sense of Control

Feeling powerless is a huge contributor to anxiety and depression. Support your child in building a life where they feel capable and confident, even if their symptoms are unpredictable.

✅ Encourage them to:

• Set small, achievable goals

• Explore hobbies that bring joy without worsening symptoms

• Make decisions about their own care (with your guidance as needed)

  
  

💡 Tip: Ask, “What’s one thing today that would help you feel a bit more in control?”

4. Balance Support With Independence

It’s tempting to step in and “fix” everything when your child is struggling - but building emotional resilience comes from learning how to cope with challenges, not avoid them.

✅ Offer support like:

• Driving them to therapy or doctor appointments

• Helping them plan energy friendly social activities

• Being available to talk but letting them lead the conversation

  
  

🚫 Avoid:

• Speaking for them at appointments (unless they ask)

• Pressuring them to “snap out of it” or “push through”

• Dismissing emotional struggles as a phase

  
  

5. Watch for Crisis Signs and Know What to Do

Most young people with anxiety or depression manage with the right support. But in some cases, symptoms can worsen

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🚨 Get help immediately if you notice:

• Talk of self-harm or hopelessness

• Sudden withdrawal from all communication

• Major changes in sleep, eating or hygiene

  
  

✅ Emergency contacts include:

• GP or urgent care line

• Crisis helplines or mental health apps with live support

• University well-being services (if they’re living away from home)

  
  

Conclusion: You Can’t Fix It, But You Can Walk With Them

As a parent, you may not be able to take away your child’s pain or anxiety but your support is still one of the most powerful tools they have.

✅ Believe them

✅ Get them the right help

✅ Stay informed - visit our Hypermobility Syndrome Parents section

✅ Support their autonomy

✅ Remind them: they are not alone

The intersection of hypermobility and mental health is real and with the right care, healing is absolutely possible. Book a 30 minute call with James to discuss your child's situation further.

I hope you have enjoyed this article and found it helpful.

For more personalised one-to-one support with any aspect of Hypermobility Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder or Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome please do get in touch with me.

Join my mailing list for advice and information.

Book a 30 minute, complimentary call with me to discuss your symptoms and how they could benefit from one-to-one support here at my clinic in Cardiff or via my UK wide remote hypermobility service.