Anxiety in Children: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Daycare drop offs, events with the extended family, or trips to the grocery store on a busy day: these can be uncomfortable situations for any child. While some nervousness is normal, it can be hard to tell if your child is reacting appropriately or if their worry is more problematic. If you’re here, it’s likely you are concerned.
First, we want to acknowledge you:
Coming here and doing the research is an excellent first step toward helping your child. This isn’t easy, but you understand supporting your child is key, and we don’t want you to overlook how important that decision will be in helping your child.
Next, it’s important to say some fear and anxiety is perfectly normal and healthy, a survival tool that helps children develop useful real-world skills. For example, infants and toddlers have separation anxiety because they can’t yet survive on their own. However, we also know there are certain types of concerning, debilitating anxiety that interfere with day-to-day life. Roughly one in eight children may have an anxiety disorder. “The difference between normal anxiety and an actual anxiety disorder involves severity,” says psychologist Amy Lee, PhD. “Having fears and worrying is a natural reaction to stressful or new situations for children, but it’s when the anxiety grows out of proportion that it becomes a real problem.”
Symptoms to Look for
Childhood anxiety disorders are the blanket term for the types of anxiety, including generalized, separation, social, and specific phobias. Each child with an anxiety disorder might display varying symptoms, but these are the most common.
If your child:
– Avoids activities, situations, or people
– Cannot cope with their worry and it interferes with daily life (panic attacks, hyperventilating)
– Constantly worries about what can go wrong
– Fails to be consoled when you attempt to reassure them
– Has trouble sleeping
– Has physical symptoms unrelated to other medical conditions, like headaches or upset stomach
Their anxiety might need to be diagnosed and treated by a professional who can help them recognize and heal their anxiety with coping techniques. “A therapist can look at the symptoms someone is dealing with, diagnose the specific anxiety disorder, and create a plan to help the person get relief,” as stated on the KidsHealth.org website.
A care provider will better determine which type of treatment is best for your child. If left undiagnosed or untreated, these anxiety disorders can lead to dangerous coping strategies and increased risk of more dangerous behaviors as children grow up. Dr. Jamie Howard of the Child Mind Institute confirms this. “If a child is prone to anxiety,” Dr. Howard says, “it’s helpful to know it sooner and to learn the strategies to manage sooner.”
You aren’t alone in seeking help, either. Lastly, and most importantly, the best thing for a child with an anxiety disorder is a proactive guardian who is ready to get them the help they need. By developing positive coping strategies, they will have the distinct advantage of strong coping skills when normal fear and anxiety arises.
