As a parent, you have a million different things on your mind, and the well-being of your child is on top of it all.
If your child begins to exhibit symptoms of anxiety, it can be hard to understand. Knowing where to turn and the causes of anxiety in children can help you find the root cause.
Keep reading to find out anxiety signs and how you can go about treating anxiety in your children.
What Are Some of the Anxiety Symptoms Children Have?
First, we should understand the difference between regular childhood worries and when it seems like your child may have an anxiety disorder.
Children can have everyday worries, like a fear of the dark, heights, or even strangers and older kids. This occasional anxiety shouldn’t be an issue.
If your child comes across as anxious or irritable more often than not, it could be an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can also be triggered due to certain situations or objects that a child may have had a bad experience with.
The symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Anger or aggression
- Nightmare
- Social anxiety and not wanting to go to school
- Changes in appetite
- And more
Anxiety disorders can also be triggered due to certain situations or objects that a child may have had a bad experience with.
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety can take on many different forms, especially in children.
There is separation anxiety. This is when a child is fearful of being separated from their parents or caregivers. Children with separation anxiety can be abnormally clingy, refuse to go to school, and throw tantrums when separated from their parents.
Social anxiety tends to show up when children get a little older and the relationship dynamics change. This can include avoidance of school and an enhanced fear of being judged by others.
They can also get specific phobias of certain situations, like going to the doctor or dentist. They may also manifest as fear of particular objects or animals.
These are just a few of the ways anxiety can creep into your child’s life. If you suspect your child is dealing with a specific type of anxiety or is having panic attacks, it’s best to speak with a professional.
Treating Anxiety
If the fear and anxiety in your child are constant or do seem like they are elevated to a point where it becomes a regular issue, it might be time to try therapy for children.
A therapist can adequately diagnose if your child has an anxiety disorder and give them tools to work through stress. Mindfulness training can help a ton, and if the issue requires it, you can look into medications as well.
Help Your Child With the Symptoms of Anxiety
Now that you know a little bit more about the different symptoms of anxiety and how it can manifest in your child, you can figure out how to deal with it. Speaking with a therapist is always a good course of action for all mental health issues.
Want more advice about raising children? You will find a ton more on our blog. Scroll through some of our articles to find what you need.
