Anxiety in Children: Recognising the Signs and Finding Help

Anxiety disorders are increasingly common in children. As a parent or caregiver, you need to be able to recognise the signs, understand the impact, and support children in finding help. This post explores some of the common symptoms, where to access support, and things you can do at home to help a child manage their anxiety.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety Disorders

It’s normal for kids to worry or feel nervous at times. However, when anxiety is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life, it may be an anxiety disorder. Here are some of the most common types:

• Generalised anxiety disorder: Excessive worrying about everyday things.
• Separation anxiety: Intense fear about being away from parents/caregivers.
• Social anxiety: Extreme shyness or fear of social situations.
• Phobias: Marked fear of specific things or situations (e.g. dogs, insects, heights).

The early teen years are the average onset, but symptoms can start much earlier, especially if you’re fostering a child with fcascotland.co.uk. Getting help as soon as possible leads to better outcomes.

Spotting the Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety can be hard to detect as some symptoms resemble common behaviours or attitudes in kids. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Irritability or crying
• Avoidance of situations/places
• Stomach aches and headaches 

Separation anxiety may also cause clinginess, tantrums, or avoidance of school. Look out for social anxiety symptoms like extreme shyness, difficulty speaking to anyone but close friends/family, and avoidance of events like parties or camps.

The Psychological Impact

Anxiety causes significant distress and has wider impacts on kids’ psychological well-being and development. It can:

• Lower self-esteem and increase self-blame.
• Cause difficulties building friendships and relationships.
• Lead to problems keeping up with school and school refusal.
• Interfere with emotional growth.

Supporting your anxious child early is crucial to prevent these negative ongoing effects.

Accessing Help from Your GP

See your GP if you are worried your child is suffering from an anxiety disorder. They can provide guidance on the next steps which may include:

• A referral to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS)
• Therapy provided through community services or school
• Private therapy from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist

Providing Support at Home 

As well as getting professional support, there is a lot you can do at home: 

Have Open Conversations

Gently talk to your child about their anxiety and validate their feelings. Being open helps them feel understood and address fears. You can reassure them without minimising their experience. 

Create a Predictable Home Environment

Structure and positive routines help kids feel more secure and worry less. Build physical and emotional safety through supportive conversations, cuddles if welcomed, and displaying their artwork or achievements. 

Encourage Facing Small Fears 

Do not force anxious kids into feared situations – this reinforces avoidance. But you can gently encourage small steps like briefly joining a social event or spending a few minutes alone. Praise all efforts. 

Teach Coping Strategies

Help your child build a ‘toolbox’ of coping skills. This can include muscle relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, visualisation, and activities like reading or puzzles that calm the mind. 

Look After Your Own Mental Health

Parental stress and poor mental health can influence children’s anxiety. Make time to manage your mental health through self-care activities. Your child’s resilience relies on you modelling healthy emotional habits. 

Anxiety disorders cause significant distress, but early support makes a huge difference. Understanding the signs, finding professional help, providing at-home support, and building your child’s self-esteem all enable positive outcomes. The tips here give you a good starting point but seek guidance from medical professionals if you are concerned.