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April is Stress Awareness Month
Kids and Anxiety
Lots of things make kids feel nervous and uncomfortable. But how do you know if your child is suffering from anxiety that’s more serious? Here are some signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders and how to get help.
Anxiety exists for a reason. It alerts us to possible danger. "Feeling anxious or worried is necessary to be a human being. If you didn't feel anxious when you got to the edge of the cliff, your family line would die out right then," says Deborah Gilboa, MD, an expert in child development. Gilboa adds that anxiety may even be helpful in social situations. If a child sees a friend being teased, anxiety about the situation can spark positive action. They might step in to defend or comfort the friend.
If your child doesn’t outgrow their intense fears, they might have an anxiety disorder (also called “clinical anxiety”). Experts say there are two red flags to look for: avoidance and extreme distress. There are different types of anxiety, but they share common symptoms.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America divides anxiety into types. These types include:
Generalized anxiety
Separation anxiety
Social anxiety
Specific phobias (overly afraid of something in particular)
Panic disorder
Different types of anxiety show up in different ways. But some common symptoms are if the child:
Avoids certain activities, situations or people.
Tends to focus on what can go wrong.
Has fears that keep them from regular activities.
Is distressed even after continued comfort from an adult.
Has trouble sleeping or insists on sleeping with you.
Gets headaches or stomach pains (or other physical symptoms) not related to other medical issues.
If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms, you can ask for an anxiety screening. This can be done by someone like a:
Pediatrician
Therapist
School psychologist
Psychiatrist
Diagnosis and treatment can even be a relief for some kids. It lets them know their emotions are accepted. It also gives them hope that there’s a way to feel better.
To access the full article on anxiety and kids, click here.
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