Anxiety disorders affect more children than adults and can have a profound effect on a child’s life. But it can be difficult to know if a child’s anxiety is normal or if they need help.
As children grow and change, the brain chemicals that regulate mood are constantly shifting. That means that the way kids experience anxiety—an emotion characterized by feelings of tension and worry—changes as they develop. While some anxiety in children is developmentally expected, such as separation anxiety during toddlerhood, persistently high levels of fear may indicate that your child has an anxiety disorder.
When a child feels anxious, their body releases adrenaline and other chemicals that prepare them for “fight or flight” responses to perceived danger. In some cases, those chemicals can trigger a physical response, such as heart palpitations or trembling. Unlike normal stress, which passes quickly after a threatening event is over, anxiety can feel like an overwhelming sense of doom and can persist for weeks or even years.
In some children, those anxieties become paired with certain situations or objects, making them more likely to trigger that anxiety when they occur. This can lead to avoidance behaviors, which may be obvious, such as refusing to go to school or social events, or not speaking up in class out of fear of being embarrassed. Kids with anxiety may also develop coping strategies that can backfire, such as using drugs or self-harm, which can further fuel their fears and increase the risk of depression and other mental health problems.
Because the signs and symptoms of anxiety can vary so much, it’s important to see a professional for an evaluation. That could mean a pediatrician, a psychiatrist or a licensed therapist. In some cases, anxiety can be a co-occurring condition with depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorders.
Once you know what’s causing your child’s anxiety, you can work together to create a treatment plan. If they’re afraid of going to the mall, for instance, you can help them gradually build up to visiting during a non-crowded time. And you can offer calm, physical reassurances like sitting with them and counting to five as they breathe in, and then out again. You can also hold their hand or cuddle if it’s helpful for them.
Often, just having someone to talk with and listen is enough to reduce anxiety levels. Other times, your child might benefit from a more structured program of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy that incorporates exposure therapy and mindfulness techniques, or medication. Whatever treatment is recommended, it’s important that you and your child follow through on it. If left untreated, anxiety can become more severe as your child grows older and can be a contributing factor to other mental health issues, including eating disorders and substance abuse. Thankfully, today doctors and therapists understand anxiety better than ever before and have proven treatment options. So if your child is suffering from anxiety, don’t wait: Take action today.