It's entirely normal for children and young people to experience occasional bouts of anxiety or worry. For instance, they may feel nervous when starting school, attending nursery for the first time, or moving to a new area. These feelings can arise during times of change, and often, with time and support, they naturally fade away as the child settles into their new environment.
However, for some children, anxiety is a constant presence in their daily lives. It can affect not just their emotions, but also their behavior, thoughts, and physical well-being, making it hard for them to cope with everyday situations like going to school, interacting with friends, or even participating in family activities. This type of anxiety can begin to interfere with a child's school performance, home life, and social interactions, making it more difficult for them to thrive.
In these cases, professional help may be needed to manage the anxiety effectively and support the child in overcoming the challenges they face.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Children and Young People
As a parent or caregiver, it's essential to be aware of the signs that might indicate your child is struggling with anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety can manifest in various ways, both mentally and physically. Some of the most common signs include:
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Difficulty concentrating: Your child may seem distracted or unable to focus, even on tasks they usually enjoy or excel at.
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Sleep disturbances: Anxiety can make it hard for children to sleep through the night. They may experience insomnia, frequent waking, or have nightmares that disturb their rest.
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Changes in appetite: Anxiety can lead to a loss of appetite or, conversely, overeating as a way of coping with stress.
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Emotional outbursts: A child experiencing anxiety might become easily irritated or angry. They may have trouble controlling their emotions, leading to more frequent tantrums or meltdowns.
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Excessive worry: Some children may constantly worry about potential dangers, perceived mistakes, or even things that haven’t happened yet. These anxious thoughts may dominate their thinking.
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Physical tension and restlessness: Children may appear tense, fidgety, or restless. They might complain of feeling on edge or unable to relax. It's not uncommon for anxious children to frequently need the bathroom or show signs of physical discomfort.
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Crying often: Children experiencing anxiety may cry frequently, sometimes without a clear cause, as their emotions become overwhelming.
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Clinginess: Especially in younger children, anxiety can manifest as clinginess, where they may have trouble being separated from their parents or caregivers.
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Frequent complaints of physical ailments: Children with anxiety might complain of tummy aches, headaches, or feeling generally unwell, even though no physical cause can be identified. These complaints can often be a way for children to express their emotional distress.
Separation Anxiety vs. Social Anxiety
While anxiety can look different in children at different ages, there are patterns that tend to emerge. Younger children often experience separation anxiety, where they feel intense distress at the thought of being away from their parents or caregivers. They may resist going to school or daycare and may struggle to be left with other caregivers.
Older children and teenagers, however, tend to experience anxiety in social or performance-based situations. Social anxiety is common during adolescence, where the child may worry excessively about being judged by others, fitting in, or facing social rejection. School-related anxiety, such as stress over exams, homework, or bullying, is also prevalent during these years.
When to Seek Professional Help
It's important to remember that some level of anxiety is a normal part of childhood, especially when children face new experiences or challenges. However, if your child’s anxiety doesn’t seem to improve over time, or if it begins to interfere significantly with their daily life, it’s crucial to seek professional help.
You should consider seeking help if:
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The anxiety is persistent and doesn’t get better, or it’s getting worse over time.
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Self-help strategies or reassurances from family members are not enough to alleviate the anxiety.
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The anxiety is having a noticeable impact on your child's school performance, family life, or friendships.
Where to Get Help for Anxiety
The first step toward getting help is often to visit your General Practitioner (GP). GPs can provide initial advice and support, and they can refer your child to mental health professionals if needed. You can choose to speak to the GP alone or bring your child with you to the appointment. Some children may also prefer to attend an appointment independently.
If the GP feels that your child’s anxiety may be linked to an anxiety disorder, they may refer them to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS). These specialist NHS services are dedicated to the mental health needs of children and young people, offering a range of support tailored to their age and specific issues. Professionals in CYPMHS, such as child psychologists or therapists, are trained to help children address a variety of emotional difficulties, including anxiety.
If your child is reluctant to see a doctor, they may be able to access youth counselling services independently. For more information, you can visit Youth Access, which provides information on local counseling services available to young people.
It’s also worth considering reaching out to your child’s school. Teachers and school counselors can provide additional support and may be able to offer accommodations or strategies to help your child cope with anxiety during school hours.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders in Children and Young People
The type of treatment your child receives will depend on their age, the nature of their anxiety, and how it is impacting their life. Common treatment options include:
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Counseling: Speaking with a trained counselor or therapist can help your child understand the root causes of their anxiety and develop coping strategies to manage their feelings.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used, evidence-based treatment that helps children and young people understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches them practical techniques to challenge negative thoughts and reduce anxiety. CBT can be delivered in person or through self-help materials online.
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Medication: In some cases, when anxiety is severe or unresponsive to therapy, a doctor may recommend medication to help manage the symptoms. Anxiety medications are usually prescribed by a specialist in children’s mental health and are typically used alongside other therapeutic treatments, such as CBT.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders in Children and Young People?
The development of anxiety in children can be influenced by a variety of factors. Genetics play a role; if a close family member has experienced anxiety, a child may be more likely to develop anxiety themselves. Children can also pick up anxious behaviors from those around them, particularly from parents or caregivers who also struggle with anxiety.
Stressful life events can trigger or worsen anxiety. Some common stressors include:
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Moving homes or schools frequently
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Parental conflict or separation
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The death of a close family member or friend
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Serious illness or injury, either personally or in the family
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School-related issues, such as bullying, exams, or pressure to perform
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Experiences of abuse or neglect
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are more likely to experience anxiety, often due to the challenges these conditions present in social and academic settings.
Additional Resources and Support
There are many organizations dedicated to supporting both children and parents through the process of managing anxiety. Some valuable resources include:
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Mental Health Foundation: Offers a booklet titled The Anxious Child, which provides advice and support for parents and carers.
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Royal College of Psychiatrists: Their guide on worries and anxieties can offer helpful tips for parents seeking to understand and manage their child's anxiety.
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YoungMinds Parents Helpline: A free helpline available to parents and carers (0808 802 5544, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm). They offer expert advice and emotional support.
By taking proactive steps and seeking help when needed, you can help your child manage their anxiety and develop the resilience they need to cope with life's challenges.