The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines childhood anxiety as not outgrowing fears and worries that are typical in childhood. Another factor of childhood anxiety is when so many fears are present they interfere with school, home and social life.
As a parent, it is important to be aware of possible signs and symptoms of excess anxiety in your child.
Find a provider: Sanford Children’s Behavioral Health
Anxiety signs and symptoms
Physical signs:
- Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Appears restless, fidgety, distracted
Emotional signs:
- Frequent crying
- Easily angered or frustrated
- Constant worrying no matter the situation
Behavioral signs:
- Withdrawal or avoiding social interaction
- Constantly seeking approval from parents, teachers or friends
- Refusing to go to school
Worry vs. anxiety
Anxiety can be a normal part of your child’s growth and development. Some anxiety can be motivating and help your child to avoid danger. At 5-8 years of age it is normal for your child to worry about germs, illness, natural disasters, and school.
Anxiety can also have negative effects. To help determine what is normal and what is not normal, consider if the anxiety is impacting your child’s daily functioning. For example, does the anxiety prevent them from participating in daily activities at school? Is it impacting their ability to build and maintain relationships? If the answer is yes, be aware of your child’s needs and symptoms. Help your child cope and manage the anxiety.
Helping your child cope
Your goal shouldn’t be to eliminate the anxiety, but to help your child manage it. Use the following strategies to help your child cope with their anxiety.
- Personalize. Label the anxiety and give it a name. Personalizing it makes the anxiety feel less scary and more controllable. Also, have your child draw pictures or write about their anxiety.
- Acknowledge. Your first step should be to acknowledge and respect your child’s feelings. Be encouraging so your child feels they can face fears.
- Model. Show your child how you handle your own anxiety. Don’t avoid your own anxiety or pretend you don’t have any. Instead let your child hear and see you managing it calmly and tolerating it.
- Talk. Talk through your child’s worries and distress with them. How might they handle it in the future? Be present and offer support in the tough times.
How do I seek help?
If you think your child needs more support, talk to your primary care provider or pediatrician first. They will help to get other services arranged if needed.
You also can call or text for immediate help:
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357)
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or (800) 273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: (800) 985-5990
- National hotline for community resources: Call 211
Visit sanfordhealth.org to find resources, risk factors, warning signs and steps you can take to help a loved one.
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Posted In Behavioral Health, Children's, Parenting
