What is Anxiety in Children?

Fear and anxiety are common during childhood. Fear is a normal response to threat or danger. Reactions to potential threats cause anxiety. New anxieties and concerns are often transient and indicate that children are developing their problem-solving skills. Kids can learn to comprehend and get over their fears and worries with the support of their parents and caregivers.

According to medical professionals, up to 1 in 5 children will have anxiety problems. When compared to typical dread or anxiety, anxiety disorders in children are characterised by more avoidance, stronger emotional reactions, or longer than usual durations. Tears and tantrums are common emotional outbursts among kids with anxiety problems. They could also exhibit a great deal of avoidance.They could make frequent attempts to flee, conceal themselves, and be “on the lookout for danger.” Additionally, children frequently have physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, or trouble sleeping..

What are the types of Anxiety in Children?

There are a few different types of anxiety in children:

Starting between the ages of 8 and 12 months, separation anxiety is a common and significant stage of early development in most children. Your child may dread strangers and feel unsafe when you’re not around if they have typical separation anxiety. By the time children start preschool, separation anxiety normally subsides. Anxiety disorders related to separation are more severe and persist past this normal developmental stage.

Children who experience anxiety about their parents or other family members may find it difficult to go to school, to be away from home or family in general, or to separate for sleep. Speak with your child’s healthcare practitioner if they exhibit more discomfort or fear over separations than other children of their age if you have any concerns.

It’s possible that your child has a specific fear, such as storms, clowns, or any number of other things. However, strong worries that are disproportionate to the real possibility of harm are known as particular phobias.

This is a severe dread of being looked down upon or rejected in public. Your child may shy away from acting or public speaking. Alternatively, individuals may find it difficult to talk to strangers or attempt to avoid social situations like school or other familiar places because they are so uncomfortable. They could even completely shun social interactions and exams or tests.

Generalized anxiety is excessive concern and fear over a range of diverse situations that occurs in daily life. Additionally, compared to other kids, your child could worry more about the future. They could worry about a variety of things, or their worries might evolve over time, but they usually worry about something.

Along with physical symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and dyspnea—the inability to breathe—children with panic disorder can experience periods of intense dread and worry. These panic episodes usually pass within a few minutes to many hours and might occur suddenly.

How common is Anxiety in Children?

Children with anxiety issues are not uncommon. 15% to 20% of kids and teenagers are impacted between the ages of 13 and 18. It also affects women more frequently.

What are the signs and symptoms of Anxiety in Children?

It might seem like a guessing game to be a parent. Some kids will express their anxiety to you verbally. They could remark something along the lines of, “I’m afraid I won’t see you again, so I’m afraid to go to school.” Some people may be unable to articulate their emotions. However, children exhibit anxiousness as well. They might:

  • More than other children of their age, worry and/or cry
  • Claim to be unwell. They may report having a headache, aching muscles, or an upset stomach
  • Unable to sleep alone, experience difficulty falling asleep, or wake up from nightmares.
  • Unable to unwind or remain still (restless)
  • Quickly become angry
  • Find it difficult to focus
  • Claim that they are always hungry or that they are not hungry at all
  • Truncate (shaking)
  • Refuse to attend classes
  • Use the restroom frequently

Causes of Anxiety in Children?

Given their innate sensitivity, some children may find it difficult to handle change or intense emotions. These children may be naturally nervous or have a family history of anxiety. Stressful life experiences can also trigger anxiety, and some people experience a lot of stress from a young age, such as:

  • The passing of a close relative.
  • Shifting to a new home or school, particularly if those transitions happen frequently.
  • Inability to consume enough food.
  • A challenge finding secure places to reside.
  • Unable to attend school consistently.
  • Parents who quarrel, separate, or get divorced.
  • Abuse, neglect, or bullying.

How is Anxiety in Children treated?

Therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are the two primary approaches to treating anxiety in children. Although these two therapies tend to function best together, they may each be effective on their own.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Kids

Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), kids can develop coping mechanisms that help them think differently, control their body’s emotions, and approach concerns and obstacles little by little. Coping skills can be taught to children in group or individual treatment. In order to help their children practise these coping mechanisms, parents may also educate themselves on these techniques.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is considerably more than just regular playing, despite the appearance of it being such.

Playtime provides an opportunity for a licensed therapist to watch and learn about your child. The child can then work with the therapist to address underlying trauma and explore emotions. Children can learn new coping skills and how to redirect unwanted behavior via recreational activities.

A wide range of certified mental health practitioners, including psychologists and psychiatrists, use play therapy. Social workers, physical therapists, and occupational and behavioral therapists also practise it.

Some of the potential benefits of play therapy are:

  • Taking more responsibility for certain behaviors
  • Developing coping strategies and creative problem-solving skills
  • Self-respect
  • Empathy and respect for others
  • Alleviation of anxiety
  • Learning to fully experience and express feelings
  • Stronger social skills
  • Stronger family relationships

Medications for Childhood Anxiety:

The doctor treating your child could recommend SSRI medications for kids, or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, such as:

Or they could recommend a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI medications for children) such as the following if these don’t work or aren’t suitable for your child:Duloxetine (Cymbalata®, Drizalma®, Irenka®).

Parting Notes

Navigating your child’s anxiety issues may be challenging, but you’re not the only one. The Insight Clinic is here to provide knowledgeable and empathetic assistance tailored to your child’s needs. Our team of knowledgeable professionals understands the difficulties related to anxiety and is dedicated to helping your kid succeed. Together, we can enable them to realize their full potential and provide you the tools required to establish a joyful and healthy environment.

Show Yourself Some Love! Mental Health Services for Durham and Simcoe Region. Contact us for the first free session.