Anxiety in kids is one of the most misunderstood anxiety disorders in the world. When this goal is a young child or adolescent, it can be especially distressing, leading to problems with eating, sleeping and missing school often due to unexplained illnesses like headaches or sick tummies. One of the worse things about anxiety in kids is how it can occur without any obvious cause. This leads to a situation where kids are worrying about their anxiety, which may not lead to actual attacks. It is important for parents to realize that anxiety in kids can manifest itself in many ways. The following are some signs of anxiety in kids that you should look out for:
Physical symptoms: Physical signs of anxiety in kids are actually quite easy to spot. They include discharges of blood or mucous, upset stomach, headaches, and increased heart rate. If you notice any physical symptoms, such as excessive crying or diarrhea, it is best to take them seriously. Pay attention to any changes in the child’s behaviour, as it could be a symptom of another disorder.
Social phobia: Many people don’t realise that separation anxiety disorder can actually lead to panic attacks and phobias. However, this condition is characterized by an extreme fear of being alone or going through a traumatic event in which a parent, sibling or friend has died. Children suffering from separation anxiety disorder will develop fear and phobias when they become lonely or when they experience stress over the loss of their family member.
Phobias: Anxiety in kids can also develop into a phobia, which means they develop great fear of something that causes them great stress and anxiety. Phobias are often associated with something that can cause physical harm or death. Therefore, children who fear the ocean, spiders, or even a polar bear may have separation anxiety disorder. While these fears are usually unfounded, they can be extremely traumatic for a kid and can make them extremely anxious.
Compulsions: There are different types of anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, panic disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The obsessions of these conditions are fears, phobias or other forms of irrational thoughts. Some examples of obsessions are thoughts that the child has to do something, or that they must use a specific object. Other examples of compulsions include items that are considered harmful, or ideas that are too strange or absurd.
What are the signs of anxiety in kids? They can include a wide variety of symptoms, but some of the most common include frequent headaches, extreme fear in potentially dangerous situations, irritability, being overly sensitive to criticism, not being able to sleep well, having trouble concentrating, not enjoying school or sporting activities, and avoiding contact with others. You should be able to notice a few of these symptoms, if you’re caring for a young child, and if your kid is constantly showing signs of distress. Talk to your child and get a full evaluation of what they’re going through. While these conditions can have serious effects on your child’s social and emotional development, they can be treated and overcome with therapy and medication.