Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is a normal response that inhibits us from doing something dangerous and also can motivate us to perform. But when does typical anxiety turn into problematic anxiety? Children with anxiety disorders may begin to avoid situations, things, people, and places that make them anxious. The anxiety is no longer encouragement but disrupts the child’s functioning in every day life.

Anxiety can manifest in children in different ways. The disorder also has physiological symptoms that should be checked out with your child’s pediatrician to rule out an underlying medical condition. But what does anxiety look like in children? Some general symptoms can include;

·         Increased irritability, excessive crying, difficulty self-soothing and self regulating

·         Regressive behaviors such as bed-wetting may be present

·         Physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, muscle aches, and sleeping difficulties

·         Psychological symptoms such as needing frequent reassurance, rigid thinking (needing things done exactly the same way as before), worrying, racing/ intrusive thoughts, feeling overwhelmed by new experiences, and avoiding situations

·         Children may also experience hypervigilance (being on high alert) and constantly monitor their environment. This can be tiresome and exhausting

As a caregiver it can be scary to watch a child experience anxiety. However there is help and support. When should a caregiver seek professional help for their child?

·         When the behavior and anxiety interferes with daily activities and life

·         When the child is upset multiple days of the week or multiple times during the day

·         When the behaviors or fear increase in frequency and intensity (meltdowns, tantrums)

·         When the anxiety leads to significant avoidance of school or other situations

·         When friendships are disrupted

·         When sleep habits are disrupted

·         When compulsive behaviors or rituals appear (hand washing, counting) and the child refuses to end a task or leave the house until rituals are complete

·         When physical symptoms become a pattern and are disruptive (vomiting, stomach aches, etc)

·         If panic attacks appear (heart palpitations, hyperventilating, nausea, sweating)

There are many different types of therapies and treatment for anxiety and the first step is to see a trained therapist. And you as the caregiver can also help your child work through anxiety as well. Some tips to help an anxious child include;

·         Help the child manage anxiety through helping them learn to tolerate anxiety and function as well as they can, even when they are anxious

·         Don’t aid the child in avoiding things the child is afraid of as this will reinforce anxiety over time

·         Create positive but realistic expectations that are within the child’s control

·         Respect and empathize the child’s feelings but encourage that the child can face their fears and you are there to support them

·         Do not ask leading questions but allow the child to openly talk about their own feelings through open ended questions

·         Try to keep the anticipatory period short as when we are afraid of something the hardest time is really before we do it

·         Think though anxious fears with the child so the child can feel confident in having a plan that can reduce uncertainty

·         Model healthy ways of handling anxiety

Although helping a child work through anxiety can feel overwhelming, remember you are not to blame for your child’s anxiety but you can help them overcome it. Offering support, connection and resources will give your child the message that their caregiver listens to their struggles and validates their experience while empowering them to work through it.