Signs of Anxiety in Children
Visiting a mental health psychologist is a straightforward way to determine whether your child has anxiety. But when do you make the call that seeking help is necessary?
For parents and carers, life can feel like a constant panic of whether your child is developing ‘normally’, whether there’s cause for concern, or whether you’re doing something wrong. When it comes to anxiety, finding the difference between normal levels of worrying and signs of disorders can be tricky - but it isn’t impossible. Continue reading as we break down some of the signs that your child may struggle with their anxiety levels.
This blog outlines the different symptoms and signs of anxiety found in children. For personalised advice, contact our team at The Nest Health Hub today.
What is ‘Normal’ Anxiety?
Children are no different from the rest of us. Their lives, at times, are going to feel stressful. They’ll experience worry, nervousness, and feelings of anxiety just like the adults in their life will. As parents and carers, it can feel as though it’s your job to spot when something out of sorts is going on. Knowing the difference between expected worrying and a case of more serious anxiety is key.
Healthy forms of anxiety for children are typically temporary. Common examples of natural worrying for children might include getting upset for a short time when being dropped off or saying goodbye to carers, being shy around new people, or getting worried about challenges such as schoolwork. These are natural and expected experiences - the aim is that you will be able to guide them through these feelings. Navigating worries and fears for themselves is important for their development, after all.
When You Should Seek Further Help
You may find yourself wondering where ‘the line’ is. When should you be more concerned? When does worrying turn from common stress to concerning levels of anxiety? There isn’t any sort of clear-cut answer. But, the general rule of thumb is that when you think something is ‘off’, you should consider getting advice from an expert.
Look at other children their age, and consider whether your child is acting noticeably different. Are they feeling more anxious than others? You want to ask yourself whether the feelings of anxiety don’t seem to go away, whether they seem out of proportion to the situation at hand, and if they’re affecting their ability to participate in activities or social events.
Should you decide to visit a doctor, they will work to talk with your child about their symptoms and how they affect their daily life. Should these symptoms directly affect their ability to function in their regular life, causes high levels of stress, or hinder them socially or academically, then your child may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders aren’t just about worrying too much. It can go beyond feeling nervous or fearful, and there is a variety of ways that forms of anxiety can cause distress. There are several different anxiety disorders that may affect children. This includes:
Separation anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Phobias
General anxiety disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Signs to Look Out For
Figuring out how concerned you should be over your child’s anxiety levels is no easy task. It’s in a parent’s nature to worry, after all - you want to make sure you’re doing right by your child. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some common signs of anxiety that your child may show:
A negative outlook, always seeing the dangerous or worrying aspect of situations
Unwilling to participate in games or activities with other children
Complains of stomach pains or headaches frequently
Often cries over minor issues
Tends to cling to you
Hesitant to sleep alone
At Home Support Strategies
If you believe your child could have anxiety, then getting them diagnosed by a doctor is the natural step forward. This certainly isn’t to say, however, that you aren’t able to provide ongoing support yourself once your suspicions have been confirmed.
There are plenty of ways to support your child through their anxiety from home. One key thing for you to remember is to acknowledge your child’s worries. Talk them through and help them to understand it better, but never dismiss or ignore their feelings altogether. Other easy practices to introduce into your home life might include:
Gently encouraging your child to overcome their fears and participate in things that worry them
Actively give praise for when they overcome their anxiety
Be mindful of your own behaviour, modelling healthy management techniques
Discussing with teachers or school counsellors to ensure they have ongoing support
Contact The Nest Health Hub for Empathic Child Care
Long story short: if you’re concerned about your child’s levels of anxiety, it never hurts to talk to an expert. Working with a child psychologist in Newcastle can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of how your child works and how you can best support them in the future. At The Nest Health Hub, you can sit with a mental health psychologist whose work is focused on child development. Our team provides holistic and positive diagnosis and treatment for children. Reach out today to book an appointment.
