Outward Signs of Childhood Anxiety
It is not unusual for children to sometimes feel anxious. When starting a new school, a child might worry about making friends, or a young child might be afraid of the dark. However, if the anxiety a child experiences turns into something more serious like an anxiety disorder, it may begin to interfere with many areas of their life and their family’s lives. Children do not always have the language to express what they are feeling and even though they are being impacted by the anxiety, parents may not realize that anxiety is what they are dealing with.
Anxiety is internal and can consume a child’s thoughts which can make it even more difficult to identify. It can be expressed outwardly though, and knowing the outward signs can help you more easily identify if anxiety is something your child may struggle with. Below are just a few outward signs that may suggest your child is dealing with anxiety:
Physical signs –
· Frequent stomachaches or headaches
· Refusing to eat lunch at school
· Fidgety or distracted (without ADHD)
· Trouble sleeping
· Constantly tenses muscles
Emotional Signs –
· Frequent crying
· Very sensitive
· Worries about things that are far in the future
· Frequent nightmares about losing loved ones
· May have explosive outbursts
· Excessive need for reassurance and approval
Behavioral Signs –
· Avoids joining classroom activities
· Has meltdowns or tantrums
· Avoids social situations with other kids
· Asks “what if?” constantly
· Clingy around parents and caregivers
· Remains silent when expected to work with others
· Inability to speak in certain social situations
It is difficult to watch your child struggle and it can affect your entire family’s routines and interactions but there are evidence-based treatments like CBT that help children cope with the distressing emotions they feel and learn how to regulate themselves. Over time, therapy also helps kids learn that they can tolerate feeling anxious.
Understanding what anxiety is can help you find the best solution to help your child. If you think your child is dealing with anxiety, a mental health professional can help determine whether the symptoms are temporary responses to a difficult situation or if the symptoms are related to an anxiety disorder.
By: Amanda Kohl, MCHI
Resources
Why childhood anxiety often goes undetected (and the consequences). Child Mind Institute. (2021, August 17). Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://childmind.org/article/detecting-childhood-anxiety/
Wright, L. W. (2022, February 4). Signs of anxiety in young kids. Understood. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.understood.org/articles/en/anxiety-signs-young-children
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT with Amanda Kohl, MCHI: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AmandaKohlMHCI