It’s not unusual for kids, even young ones, to feel anxious or worried from time to time. But when a child becomes constantly fearful or preoccupied, it could be a sign that they have an anxiety disorder.
It can be hard for parents to know when their children’s symptoms of anxiety are actually a mental health issue. Some children have anxiety symptoms that are similar to other medical conditions, like asthma or headaches. And some children are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about their feelings. This is especially true for boys, who may think they are “babyish” or weak if they admit they are afraid.
A GP can help with diagnosing anxiety disorders in children. They can also refer a child to specialist children and young people’s mental health services (CYPMHS) for support. These are NHS services that provide expert care and treatment for young people with a range of mental health problems, including anxiety.
In most cases, an anxiety disorder will require a combination of treatments. These can include talking therapy and medication, as well as practical lifestyle changes. For example, routine exercise has been shown to improve mood and can be an effective coping strategy for anxiety. It’s also a good idea for children to limit screen time, which has been linked to anxiety and depression in teens.
Some children with anxiety disorders develop specific fears, or phobias. These are extreme fears about certain objects or situations, such as animals, spiders, needles and shots, blood, being buried alive, thunderstorms, darkness or flying. Children with a phobia may avoid going to school, friends’ houses or family events because they fear being exposed to their triggers.
It is also important for a child with an anxiety disorder to learn positive coping skills. They can practice deep breathing exercises to help them calm down, for example. They can also practice introducing new situations gradually, rather than jumping straight into them. If a child is feeling anxious, they can try to remember things that make them happy, such as hobbies or family activities.
The signs of anxiety vary from one child to the next, so it is important for parents to pay attention to their child’s behaviour. They can ask open-ended questions about their feelings, or look for physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart, clammy hands, sweaty palms, trembling or difficulty breathing.
If a child is experiencing severe anxiety symptoms, they should be seen by a mental health professional as soon as possible. Anxiety is a treatable condition, and with support, most children will improve their symptoms over time. Many children who receive treatment report a significant improvement in their lives. Some go on to achieve great things, and others become role models for those around them.