Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders happen when feelings of worry, fear, or nervousness become so strong and long-lasting that they start to interfere with daily life at home, school, or with friends. While it’s normal for people to feel anxious in certain situations, like before a test or the first day at a new school, anxiety disorders go beyond typical worries. The worries may be bigger than the situation calls for, happen more often, or last longer, making it hard to cope. Sometimes a person may feel anxious even when there isn’t a clear reason. It’s like the brain gets stuck in “worry mode” and can’t switch off, which can make everyday activities feel overwhelming. 

There are many different types of anxiety disorders including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing worries about many areas of life, such as school, friendships, and safety.

• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Intense distress when away from parents or home.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being judged or embarrassed in social or performance situations.

• Specific Phobias: Strong fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., dogs, storms, needles) that might not seem dangerous to others.

• Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms that can make you feel like you're having a heart attack (e.g., racing heart, shortness of breath). 

• Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help may not be available which often leads to avoiding crowded, open, or enclosed places, public transportation, or leaving home.

• Selective Mutism: Consistent inability to speak in certain social settings (like school) despite being able to speak in others (like home).

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD was formerly classified as an anxiety disorder in DSM-IV, but is now in its own category in DSM-5-TR. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety. Keep scrolling on this page for detailed information about this topic.

It's important for parents and educators to be aware of the signs that a child or teen may be struggling with anxiety. Anxiety can present in both emotional and physical ways, and recognizing these symptoms early on is the first step in providing the right support. Some common signs of anxiety  in young people include:

• Constant or intense worries or fears, even about small or everyday things

• Irritability, moodiness, or being on edge most of the time

• Trouble concentrating or difficulty completing tasks

• Frequent physical complaints like stomachaches, headaches, or sleep issues

• Avoiding certain situations, activities, or social interactions (e.g. not wanting to go to school)

• Excessive clinginess or constant need for reassurance

• Nervous habits like nail-biting, hair-twirling, or leg shaking

• Feeling very self conscious (e.g., the way they look or their academic skills)

• Panic attacks (sudden intense fear with physical symptoms like racing heart or dizziness)

Paying close attention to changes in a child's behaviour, mood, and physical well-being can help identify when anxiety may be a concern that requires further support.

• Provide reassurance and empathy without enabling avoidance.

• Keep routines predictable but allow gradual exposure to feared situations.

• Model healthy coping strategies (deep breathing, problem-solving, positive self-talk).

• Collaborate on support strategies between home and school.

• Encourage and praise small steps toward facing fears.

• Seek professional help if anxiety is persistent or interfering with daily life. 

Getting support early can make a big difference for children and teens experiencing anxiety. Knowing where to turn, whether it’s a trusted agency, a counselling service, or online resources, helps families and educators provide timely, effective support.