Anxiety disorders come in many shapes and sizes and can affect everyone at some point in their lives. Children are no different from adults when it comes to experiencing anxiety or depression. They are as susceptible as anyone else. The major difference is that adults are able to rationalise their feelings and emotions as familiar and unfamiliar. Adults can recognise if they can handle how they are feeling or if they are having emotions that they need help with. A child or adolescent is less likely to have the ability to recognise what their feelings of anxiety are or to know that they can ask for help to feel better.
Children and adolescents rely on the adults in their lives for every part of their wellbeing, including their emotional and mental health. Whether you are a parent, teacher, caregiver, or childminder, knowing how to recognise the symptoms of a childhood anxiety disorder will help you help the children in your life.
Why Do Children Experience Anxiety Disorders?
There is no one reason why children experience anxiety disorders. There are many forms of anxiety disorders that can affect children, each with different causes. A Generalised Anxiety Disorder, known as GAD, is considered to be caused in part by inherited behaviours. For example, an anxious parent may find that their child has similar tendencies. GAD can also be caused by something traumatic experienced by the child.
Life events, such as moving home or school, parents divorcing, bullying, and new experiences can also be the root cause of many anxiety disorders. These can cause Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), OCD, panic, social anxiety, and even phobias.
What Does Anxiety Look Like In A Child or Adolescent?
A growing child, of any age, can experience anxiety. As a child, we are not equipped with the skills and knowledge to know what you are feeling. In turn, this can create behaviors that might not be instantly associated with anxiety. Children react differently. A child who is feeling anxious might be quiet or they might be loud. They often have difficulty focussing in class. Says, Rachel Owens a health blogger at Australianhelp and Paperfellows. A child who is experiencing the anxiety of any type might display symptoms such as:
- Exessive worry about a variety of topics, family, school performance, friends
- Crying when separated from parents and caregivers
- Seeking constant approval from peers and adults
- Fears (phobias)
- Not wanting to socialise or visit crowded spaces
- Refusing to speak
- Changes to eating habits (eating less or excessively more)
- Performing repeated or ritualistic routines
- Irritability and mood swings
- Wanting to avoid specific places and people
- Restlessness or hyperactivity (often misdiagnosed as ADHD)
- Issues with sleep such as waking frequently, bed wetting, nightmares
How To Help An Anxious Child
First of all, talk with them. Let them know that it is ok to feel anxious or worried and reassure them that they can talk to you whenever they need to. It is important that they know you will listen when they talk to them.
Environment can play a big part in creating and alleviating anxiety. Microschools and schools who teach through play-based learning may be a good option for children who experience anxiety. Create a home or at least a space that is calm and peaceful where children will feel safe. Minimise screen time where possible and introduce healthy play options like exercise, time in the garden and walks as a family. These things might not cure anxiety but they will help the child feel better as they try to cope with the unfamiliar feelings, and sometimes physical symptoms, of anxiety.
Not all children need professional help with anxiety. It is advisable though to watch them carefully and use your best judgment to assess if their anxiety is negatively impacting their health, school, and friendships. If you notice any of these things happening or the anxiety does not seem to be improving then it is advisable to seek professional assistance. Talk to your child’s GP or talk to your local Primary Care Service.
Parents I speak to often feel that they have failed their child when an anxiety disorder is diagnosed, says, Leigh Jones a teacher at State Of Writing and Boomessays. I would always advise that parents try to avoid this line of thought and instead focus on helping their child recover.
Beatrix Potter is a childhood learning expert at Academized and Personal Statement Help services. She regularly speaks and writes about the benefits of early education and children’s health. Beatrix is also is a contributor and editor at EssayRoo.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind