Stress & Anxiety Resources

What is Child Anxiety?

Child anxiety is a common mental health concern that affects many children worldwide. It’s characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that can interfere with a child’s daily activities.

Child anxiety is more than just the typical worries children may experience in their normal development. It involves persistent and excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with the child’s daily activities, such as school, play, and family life.

Children with anxiety disorders commonly experience one or several types of anxiety, including separation anxiety, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder. Each type of anxiety has specific symptoms, but common signs of anxiety in children include:

• Being very afraid when away from parents (separation anxiety)

• Extreme fear about a particular thing or situation, such as dogs, insects, or going to the doctor (phobias)

• Fear of school and other places where there are people (social anxiety)

• Excessive worry about the future and bad things happening (general anxiety)

How to Support an Anxious Child

Supporting a child with anxiety involves understanding their fears, providing comfort, and helping them develop coping strategies. Here are some ways parents can help:

• Encourage open communication: Let your child know discussing their fears and worries is okay. Encourage them to express their feelings and reassure them that you’re there to listen and support them.

• Teach coping strategies: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can help children manage their anxiety. You can also encourage them to engage in physical activities, which can help reduce anxiety.

• Seek professional help: If your child’s anxiety is severe or persistent, it may be helpful to seek the help of a mental health professional. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can effectively treat child anxiety.

Child anxiety is a serious concern that can significantly impact a child’s life. However, with understanding, support, and appropriate treatment, children with anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Remember, seeking professional help is essential if your child’s anxiety is causing distress or interfering with their daily activities.