Anxiety in children can be difficult to identify because its symptoms often mimic typical childhood behaviours. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or interferes with daily life, it’s important to recognise the signs and offer support. Understanding the symptoms of anxiety in children can help parents and caregivers address their child’s emotional needs early and effectively.
What Is Anxiety in Children?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it’s normal for children to feel nervous or worried in certain situations, such as starting a new school or taking a test. However, when anxiety is persistent, overwhelming, or disproportionate to the situation, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. Common types of anxiety disorders in children include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific phobias.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
1. Excessive Worrying
Children with anxiety often worry excessively about events, both big and small. They may fixate on things like their performance in school, the safety of loved ones, or future events.
Example: A child might frequently ask, “What if something bad happens?” or show distress about things that seem minor to others.
2. Physical Complaints
Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, which are often mistaken for illness.
Common Physical Symptoms Include:
- Stomach aches
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Sweating or rapid heartbeat
Example: A child might complain of a stomach ache before school or a social event, even if no illness is present.
3. Avoidance of Certain Situations
Children with anxiety may avoid activities or places that trigger their fears.
Examples of Avoidance:
- Refusing to go to school
- Avoiding social interactions, such as birthday parties or playdates
- Reluctance to try new things or engage in unfamiliar activities
4. Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety often disrupts sleep. Children may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or experience nightmares.
Example: A child may lie awake worrying about the next day or frequently wake up due to bad dreams.
5. Emotional Outbursts
Anxious children may struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to frequent meltdowns or irritability.
Example: A child might become overly upset or angry when plans change unexpectedly.
6. Clinginess or Separation Issues
Children with separation anxiety may become overly attached to a parent or caregiver and have difficulty being apart from them.
Example: Crying excessively when dropped off at school or refusing to sleep alone.
7. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure
Anxious children often strive for perfection and fear making mistakes. They may become distressed if they feel they haven’t done something “just right.”
Example: A child might erase and rewrite homework repeatedly to ensure it looks perfect or avoid participating in activities where they fear failure.
8. Overthinking and Asking Repetitive Questions
Children with anxiety tend to overanalyze situations and ask the same questions repeatedly for reassurance.
Example: A child might constantly ask, “Are you sure it’s safe?” or “What if I mess up?”
9. Restlessness and Fidgeting
Restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or frequent fidgeting can be signs of anxiety, especially during quiet activities like reading or homework.
Example: A child might wiggle in their seat, tap their pencil, or struggle to focus on tasks.
10. Social Withdrawal
Social anxiety can cause children to avoid interactions with peers, leading to isolation.
Example: A child might avoid speaking in class or decline invitations to play with friends.
Less Obvious Signs of Anxiety in Children
1. Overreacting to Minor Problems
Anxious children may blow small issues out of proportion, seeing them as major crises.
Example: Becoming inconsolable over a small spill or a minor disagreement with a friend.
2. Reassurance-Seeking
While seeking reassurance is normal to some extent, excessive reassurance-seeking can be a sign of anxiety.
Example: Asking repeatedly, “Are you sure everything is okay?” or “What if I get in trouble?”
3. Fear of Criticism
Anxious children often fear being judged or criticised, even when their fears are unfounded.
Example: Avoiding class presentations or participation because they worry about saying the wrong thing.
When to Seek Help
While occasional worries are normal, it’s important to seek professional help if your child’s anxiety:
- Interferes with their daily life, such as attending school or engaging in social activities.
- Persists over time, even after attempts to address it.
- Leads to frequent physical symptoms without an apparent medical cause.
- Causes distress for both the child and the family.
A paediatrician, counsellor, or psychologist can assess your child’s anxiety and recommend appropriate treatment options.
How to Support an Anxious Child
1. Validate Their Feelings
Acknowledge your child’s emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel worried or scared.
What to Say: “I can see that you’re feeling nervous. Let’s talk about what’s bothering you.”
2. Teach Relaxation Techniques
Help your child manage their anxiety with calming strategies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises.
Example: Teach them to inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for four.
3. Create a Calm Environment
Establish routines and a calming home environment to reduce unpredictability and stress.
Example: Have a consistent bedtime routine that includes quiet activities like reading or listening to soothing music.
4. Encourage Gradual Exposure
If your child avoids certain situations due to anxiety, encourage them to face their fears gradually.
Example: If they’re afraid of speaking in public, start with practising at home, then speaking in front of family, and eventually in class.
5. Limit Reassurance
While it’s natural to reassure your child, excessive reassurance can reinforce anxiety.
What to Do: Encourage them to think through their worries and come up with solutions on their own.
6. Model Healthy Coping Skills
Children often learn by example. Show them how you manage your own worries or stress.
Example: “I’m feeling a little nervous about my meeting, but I’ll take a few deep breaths and prepare as best I can.”
7. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consider consulting a mental health professional. Therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be highly effective in helping children manage anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety in children is common, but with the right support and tools, it’s manageable. By recognising the symptoms early, validating their feelings, and teaching them healthy coping mechanisms, you can help your child navigate their worries and build resilience. Remember, seeking professional guidance is always an option if your child’s anxiety begins to impact their quality of life.
FAQs
1. What causes anxiety in children?
Anxiety can be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and situational factors. Stressful life events, family history of anxiety, or certain personality traits can contribute.
2. How can I differentiate between normal worries and an anxiety disorder?
Normal worries are usually temporary and tied to specific events. Anxiety disorders are persistent, excessive, and interfere with a child’s daily life.
3. Are anxiety disorders treatable in children?
Yes, anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Therapy, such as CBT, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms.
4. Should I avoid situations that trigger my child’s anxiety?
While it’s tempting to protect your child from anxiety-inducing situations, gradual exposure helps them build coping skills and reduces avoidance behaviours.
5. Can anxiety in children go away on its own?
Some children outgrow mild anxiety as they mature, but persistent or severe anxiety often requires support and intervention to improve.
