Recognising Anxiety in Children

It's natural to want the best for your child’s emotional and mental well-being. However, sometimes children experience feelings of anxiety that may not always be visible or easily understood. While children often show signs of stress or worry in their behaviour, these signals can be subtle or misinterpreted. Recognising the signs of anxiety early on can make a significant difference in providing the right support and helping your child feel understood.

1. Physical Symptoms

Children with anxiety may exhibit physical symptoms that reflect their emotional discomfort. Some of the most common physical signs include:

- Frequent stomachaches or headaches: Anxiety often manifests as physical complaints, especially in younger children. These issues may appear without any clear medical cause.

- Difficulty sleeping: Worries can keep children up at night or cause them to wake up frequently. They may also have nightmares or feel scared to sleep alone.

- Tense muscles or fidgeting: An anxious child may constantly shift in their seat, fidget with their hands, or clench their fists.

2. Behavioural Changes

Children with anxiety often express their emotions through their behaviour. Here are a few behavioural signs that may point to anxiety:

- Avoidance: Your child may avoid situations, activities, or places they once enjoyed, such as school, social gatherings, or even certain family events.

- Clinginess or separation anxiety: An anxious child may exhibit excessive clinginess, feeling particularly upset when separated from parents or caregivers. They may resist going to school or other activities.

- Irritability or mood swings: When feeling overwhelmed, anxious children may become irritable or experience mood swings. This could be due to frustration with their inability to manage their feelings.

3. Difficulty with Social Situations

Anxiety can also affect how children interact with their peers. Look out for:

- Avoiding social interaction: Children may withdraw from playdates, group activities, or any situation where they need to engage with others.

- Fear of judgment: An anxious child might fear saying the wrong thing or being judged by others, causing them to avoid group situations or becoming unusually self-conscious.

4. Excessive Worrying

Children may have trouble articulating their feelings, but they can still demonstrate excessive worry about everyday situations. Signs include:

- Overthinking: They may express concerns about future events, even if those situations are unlikely.

- Perfectionism: A child with anxiety may strive to be perfect and fear making mistakes. They might become very upset when things don’t go as planned or when they face failure.

5. Changes in School Performance

Anxiety can impact a child’s academic life. Keep an eye out for:

- Decline in grades or school performance: Anxious Children may find it difficult to concentrate or focus on schoolwork, leading to a drop in performance.

- Increased school refusal: If your child frequently complains about going to school or exhibits signs of distress before school, this could be a sign of anxiety.

How to Help Your Child

Recognising the signs of anxiety is the first step in offering your child the support they need. Here are a few ways you can help:

- Provide reassurance: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel anxious and that you’re there to support them through it.

- Create a calming routine: Help your child feel secure by establishing a routine that includes relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or calming activities.

- Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings without judgment. Ask them questions and listen to their worries.

- Seek professional support: If you notice that anxiety is interfering with your child’s daily life, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a mental health professional. A counsellor can help your child develop coping strategies and work through their worries healthily.

Noticing anxiety in children can be difficult, as the signs may be subtle or mistaken for other behavioural issues. By being mindful of physical symptoms, behavioural changes, and emotional distress, parents can better understand their child’s emotional world and provide the necessary support. Early intervention and compassionate communication are key to helping children manage anxiety and thrive.

By Reo-Blü Caré, M.A.C.A