Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Young Children and What Parents Can Do?

If you think only adults can experience anxiety, you are mistaken. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in eight children is affected by anxiety disorders. That being said, it’s necessary for parents to understand the basics of anxiety in children, like the different types, the signs and symptoms, and how they can help their children. In this ultimate guide, we will cover all these topics. So, without any further ado, let’s begin exploring!

Types of Anxiety in Children

Children can experience different types of anxieties; the main ones are:

Separation Anxiety Disorder

If a child is suffering from this disorder, they will find it hard to be apart from their parents or guardian. In case of separation, they may express intense stress accompanied by health issues. They might even face obsessive worry that something tragic might happen to their loved one. All this makes it difficult for children to participate in events, like summer camps.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

It’s characterized by excessive worry and fear linked to various aspects of daily life. Some children experience future-related worries. In short, those with the disorder are almost always worried about some things, and the cause of their worries might change over time.

Specific Phobia

Children can also struggle with specific phobias, i.e., intense phobias associated with a specific thing. For instance, insects, swimming, thunderstorms, animals, and sickness can all be sources of fear for children. So, try to point out such issues at the earliest and ensure your child processes these fears. Otherwise, they will end up with lifelong phobias.

Panic Disorders

Those with panic disorders experience extreme fear and anxiety accompanied by physical symptoms like dizziness or a racing heart. Some also feel difficulty breathing. Such panic attacks can come out of nowhere and last a few minutes to several hours.

Social Anxiety

Children with social anxiety express intense symptoms when in crowded places or any other social setting. They may experience fear when talking to strangers, thinking that they will somehow embarrass themselves or they will be judged. This anxiety will hold them back from trying out new things or making new friends. They will feel left out in most places.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Parenting is more like a guessing game, as some children might use words to express their anxiety, and others might just go silent. However, certain signs and symptoms can help parents in early diagnosis of anxiety.

• Frequent anger issues
• Crying more than the other kids of the same age
• Having difficulty maintaining focus
• Struggling with an upset stomach, headache, or sore muscles.
• Having trouble sleeping or experiencing nightmares.
• Frequent urination
• Shaking (tremor)
• Either having hunger spikes or saying that they aren’t hungry at all
• Refusing to go to school
• Bedwetting
• Excessive negative talk
• Thumping heart

How Can Parents Help a Child Struggling with Anxiety?

If you suspect that your child is struggling with an anxiety disorder, consult with the pediatrician in the first place. They will offer personalized guidance and in-depth diagnosis with the possible treatment directions. Some children might feel better with therapies, and others might need prescription medicine.

Aside from the traditional treatment, there are other things that you can do for your children to make them feel better. For instance, you may help them learn how they can express their anxiety. If they are struggling with vocalizing their feelings, try to help them draw a picture. Moreover, keep a check on your children. Spend time with them and ensure they feel comfortable discussing any sort of issue with you.

Lastly, be conscious about how you deal with your stress. It’s normal for parents to stress out due to family issues or hectic routines. Try not to discuss things with children, as they might internalize your stress as their own.

Risk Factors for Anxiety in Children

Aside from helping your children with anxieties, you must take into account risk factors that might trigger them. The following are the key risk factors for anxiety in children:

Age: According to a 2021 study, children are more likely to develop anxiety and depression when moving into adolescence.

Overall Health: Another 2020 study predicts that children with chronic medical conditions are more likely to feel anxious.

Gender: Several studies believe that starting at the age of thirteen to fifteen, girls are twice as likely to show anxiety symptoms than boys.

Hormonal Imbalance: Research in 2017 confirmed that certain hormonal imbalances, including that of cortisol, can increase the risk of depression in children.

Race and Ethnicity: Due to disparities in the healthcare system, children from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety.

Environment: Last but not least, children with family issues, parents with mood swings, and early life stress are at higher risk of anxiety and depression.

How to Prevent Anxiety in Children?

The following tips can help parents or guardians in the prevention of anxiety in children:

• Set realistic expectations for your children
• Teach your children to express their feelings and label them
• Incorporate healthy eating and sleeping habits into their lifestyles
• Respect your children’s feelings
• Create regular daily routines for them where possible
• Encourage gradual exposure to fears

Wrapping It Up!

Anxiety in children is a serious issue that parents must remain conscious about. It’s because childhood anxieties, if left unprocessed or untreated, can turn into lifelong traumas. That said, if you feel any abnormality in your child's behavior that matches the signs and symptoms of anxiety, we recommend getting in touch with a pediatrician and taking precautionary measures. 

Hope you find this article helpful. Stay tuned for more. Moreover, our staff at Healthy Kids Care at Sunrise is here to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.

In Health,

Dr. Atousa