For a long time, it was believed that children did not experience anxiety or depression and that those who seemed to were merely malingering or seeking attention. This is no longer the case. Recent research shows that as many as 8 to 11% of children and adolescents suffer from anxiety.
For many parents, it can be difficult to spot the signs of anxiety in a child as it can show up in different ways. They are unsure about when a child’s behaviour is something for them to worry about, or whether it is a fairly normal behaviour for children of that age. Many parents are not sure whether to be concerned when a usually talkative 8-year-old becomes withdrawn and preoccupied or when a teenage child suddenly begins to refuse to leave their room.
It can be difficult to distinguish what a ‘normal’ amount of concern is, and when to seek further help but when a child’s anxiety is severe or long-lasting, then it may be an anxiety disorder.
So, what is anxiety, what signs does it presents in children and as a parent/guardian, how can you help a child who is affected?
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal phase of life and can affect anybody, including children. However, as parents and guardians, it may be difficult to distinguish between normal worries and something more serious.
In most cases, anxiety in children doesn’t last long.
Some examples of normal worries are:
- Being shy or worrying about being liked by others
- Being sad for a short time when being left at childcare
- Showing concerns about schoolwork or sport
Some children may experience anxiety more intensely and more frequently than others. This disrupts their daily lives and stops them from getting the most out of life.
A child is likely to have an anxiety disorder if:
- their anxious feelings do not get resolved
- their anxiety seems not to be out of in-tuned to the corresponding situation
- they begin to avoid places or people
Anxiety disorders are not just about feeling too anxious. Children with anxiety disorders have fears and worries that can cause distress.
The following are several anxiety disorders, which can affect children:
- Phobias
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children?
One of the main symptoms of anxiety disorders in children is when they have difficulties coping with fears and worries. They may feel overwhelmed by these anxious thoughts.
Other symptoms might include:
- Avoiding daily routines and experiences that they may be worried about, such as school activities, social events, playing, sports, eating or sleeping.
- Having frequent physical complaints, such as stomach aches and headaches, especially when away from home
- Difficulty sleeping or having vivid nightmares
- Needing a lot of reassurance often
- Having sudden emotional or angry outbursts, tantrums or ‘meltdowns’
- Changes in appetite
- Being preoccupied or not able to concentrate
- Worrying a lot
Many children will show these symptoms from time to time, and it may not be related to anxiety. But when these symptoms appear often, in an ongoing pattern and cause your child to struggle with everyday life, then they may be indicators of an anxiety condition or disorder. If you are concerned, see a doctor, a psychologist or a mental health service.
How is Anxiety in Children Treated?
Your doctor will talk with you and your child about the different treatment options available.
The treatment options for anxiety disorders in children may include the following:
- Psychological therapy, which may include, family therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that is specially adapted for children. These can be face-to-face or online.
- Lifestyle measures, which may include, regular physical activity, playing, eating healthy and getting enough sleep may help with anxiety in children.
- Lastly, medications may be recommended to help treat anxiety in children, though this is rare.
Persons involved in your child’s care might include your: doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or another type of counsellor.
How Can You Support Your Anxious Child?
If your child has anxiety, you can support them in the following ways:
- Admit your child’s fears; don’t disregard or ignore them. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and let you know when they get overwhelmed.
- Support your child to gradually do things that they are anxious about. Praise them when they summon up the courage to do it.
- Avoid labelling your child as a ‘shy’ or ‘anxious’ person.
- Create a practical plan with your child for coping with their anxious feelings in the future, such as breathing techniques or reassuring words to meditate on.
- Create time to have fun together with your child to take the focus off the feelings of anxiety.
- Help your child to have and maintain healthy routines, such as getting enough good-quality sleep, exercising regularly outdoors, eating well and avoiding excessive screen time.
- Ensure your child attends school. Attending and participating in school activities will help your child develop crucial skills and knowledge to help them adapt, as well as build their social and emotional skills. You could also talk to your child’s teacher and school counsellor for further support at school.
If you are a parent or guardian living with anxiety, it is crucial to also care for your mental health and seek help when you need it.
Dr. Favvy
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Disclaimer
The information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.
It should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your child’s pediatrician.
Always consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.
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