According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six U.S. children between the ages of 6 and 17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Anxiety is a universal feeling, and it’s important to help children understand what they are feeling, to know that they are not alone, and to show them different ways they can help heal themselves.
Many parents have children with anxiety and wish they learned much earlier how to identify the common, and not so common, signs of anxiety to offer support while helping them manage their emotions. Anxiety can be tricky to spot, as children may not be able to express why they’re experiencing such big and complex emotions, but there are some key behaviors, physical symptoms, and worries to look out for.
By being aware of the signs, you can better support your child’s mental health and wellbeing. It’s also crucial to talk with a healthcare professional who can help provide support and resources.
Here are some tips to help in identifying signs of anxiety in your child.
Changes in Behavior
Changes in behavior are one of the most common signs of anxiety in children. Anxiety can cause a range of behavioral changes, and it’s important to be aware of these changes to identify when a child might be struggling.
One common behavioral change is clinginess; anxious children may want to be close to their parents or caregivers at all times and may have a difficult time separating from them. Avoiding social situations is another behavior to look out for, as children with anxiety may feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed in large groups or around unfamiliar people.
Children with anxiety may have excessive worries or fears that are difficult to control or are out of proportion to the situation. For example, they may be afraid of going to school or being away from a parent.
Difficulty sleeping is also a common symptom, as anxious thoughts can keep children awake at night. Finally, irritability can be a sign of anxiety, as children may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by their emotions and have a hard time regulating their behavior.
Lastly, when a child feels overwhelmed, they may struggle to regulate their emotions leading to a tantrum. This tantrum may include running away, fighting, screaming, and breaking things. This type of behavior can be brought on quickly and without warning. If your child is experiencing tantrums, it’s important to remain calm and provide a safe environment for them to express their emotions. Try to identify any triggers or patterns that may be contributing to the tantrums, and work with your child to develop coping strategies to manage their emotions. This may include deep breathing exercises, physical activity, or talking with a trusted adult.
Physical Symptoms
Children may not be able to describe how they feel emotionally, but they may complain of physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or feeling sick.
Stomachaches are a very common physical symptom of childhood anxiety. Children may complain of pain in their stomach or abdomen, and this pain may be accompanied by nausea or a feeling of discomfort. Stomachaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress and anxiety. When children feel anxious, their bodies may release stress hormones that can lead to digestive problems.
Headaches are another physical symptom of childhood anxiety. These headaches may be mild or severe, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound. Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including tension, stress, and anxiety.
Feeling sick is another physical symptom of childhood anxiety. Children may feel like they are going to vomit or may experience other symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, or a racing heartbeat. These symptoms can be caused by the release of stress hormones in response to anxiety.
It’s important to note that physical symptoms alone do not necessarily mean that a child is experiencing anxiety. However, if these symptoms are persistent or occur along with other signs of anxiety, such as excessive worry, difficulty sleeping, or changes in behavior, you may want to speak with a healthcare professional.
Social Media
Look at the type of content your child is posting, liking, following, and hashtags they are using—look for anything overly negative. Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with others and sharing experiences, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, particularly for children and adolescents.
Children with anxiety may be drawn to negative or stressful content on social media, such as news stories, violent images, or content related to self-harm or suicide. They may also be more likely to engage with negative comments or arguments online, which can further fuel their anxiety.
Parents and caregivers should monitor their child’s social media use and be aware of any changes in their behavior or mood. If you notice that your child is spending an excessive amount of time on social media, or if they are posting or liking content that seems overly negative or concerning, it may be a sign that they are struggling with anxiety or other mental health issues.
It’s important to talk with your child about social media use and set clear boundaries and expectations around what is appropriate and safe. Encourage your child to use social media in positive ways, such as connecting with friends, sharing hobbies or interests, and finding supportive communities.
