Anxiety in Children

Anxiety in children is a common issue that can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, and sleep problems, as well as behavioral changes like social withdrawal, irritability, and avoidance of certain situations. It's important to recognize that while some anxiety is a normal part of development, persistent and excessive worry that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder. 

Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in children: 

• Physical:

  Stomach aches, nausea, headaches, rapid heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. 

• Behavioral:

  Avoidance of certain situations or places, social withdrawal, clinging to parents, irritability, defiance, restlessness, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. 

• Cognitive:

  Excessive worry, negative thoughts, difficulty calming down, and seeking reassurance. 

Possible causes of anxiety in children: 

• Genetics and biology:

  Some children may be predisposed to anxiety due to their genetic makeup or biological factors. 

• Life events:

  Stressful or traumatic experiences, such as family problems, school-related issues, or the loss of a loved one, can trigger anxiety. 

• Temperament:

  A child's inherent temperament can also play a role, with some children naturally being more prone to anxiety. 

• Learned behaviors:

  Children may learn anxious behaviors from observing their parents or caregivers. 

What are the types of anxiety in children?

There are a few different types of anxiety in children:

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Specific phobias such as clowns, storms, the darkness

• Social anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder

• Generalized anxiety disorder

Anxiety affects about 15 to 20% of children and is more common in females. The signs and symptoms are:

• Worry and/or cry more than other kids their age.

• Say they don’t feel well. They might complain of an upset stomach, sore muscles or headache.

• Have trouble sleeping, wake from nightmares or be unable to sleep alone.

• Find it hard to relax or sit still (restless).

• Anger easily.

• Have a hard time focusing.

• Say they aren’t hungry, or that they’re hungry all the time.

• Shake (tremor).

• Refuse to go to school.

• Use the bathroom a lot.

What parents can do to help:

• Talk to your child: Encourage open communication about their feelings and worries, and listen without judgment. 

• Validate their feelings: Let them know that it's okay to feel anxious and that you understand their concerns. 

• Model healthy coping strategies: Show them how you manage your own anxieties and worries in a positive way. 

• Encourage healthy habits: Promote regular sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet. 

• Seek professional help: If your child's anxiety is persistent or interfering with their daily life, consider seeking help from a pediatrician or mental health professional. 

Important considerations:

• Early intervention is key:

  Addressing anxiety early on can help prevent it from becoming a more significant problem later in life. 

• There are different types of anxiety disorders:

  Recognizing the specific type of anxiety your child is experiencing can help tailor treatment approaches. 

• Treatment options include therapy and medication:

  Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are common treatment options. 

• Supportive parenting is crucial:

  Providing a safe and supportive environment can significantly impact a child's ability to manage anxiety.