Child Anxiety: Recognizing the Signs for Prompt Action
Most children will exhibit fear as they are learning and growing. Not all fear is cause for concern, however, it is often important to pay attention to fears should they grow in frequency and intensity. While fear can feel unpleasant, it can be a healthy response when danger is involved. Fear can become unhealthy when it is frequent, intense, appears unprovoked or starts to affect your child’s health or functioning. Seeing your child consumed by fear can be frightening not only for them but for you as well, counseling can help.
Is Your Child Experiencing Anxiety?
Are you having a tough time getting your child to take the bus, go to school, or socialize with others? Is your child constantly having trouble with other children in school, on the playground, or with their siblings? Do you have a child who seems to be overly fearful, perpetually knocking things over and/or losing their balance?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child may be experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, selective mutism, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
It can be common for children to be afraid or anxious, though some children worry or feel anxious more than others. If you are a parent of a child exhibiting anxiety, you likely want to help your child. Knowing what to look out for may be the first step in getting them the help they deserve.
There are many possible symptoms of anxiety, however, some symptoms to be on the lookout for can include:
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty coping with worry
- Sleep disturbance
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Obsessive thinking
- Repetitive behaviors
- Panic or extreme avoidance of certain situations
When to Seek Professional Help for Your Child
There is nothing wrong with feeling afraid, apprehensive, or worried from time to time. It is also normal for your child to experience clumsiness, defiance, or anger sometimes. All children will go through stages of clumsiness, awkward movements or have valid reasons to be angry or disobedient occasionally. Feeling anxious can even be considered healthy when responding to stressful situations. There are occasions, though, when these symptoms are serious and may require professional intervention.
When symptoms are SEVERE, as in the following situations, it may be time to consult with a therapist:
- When symptoms are persistent. For example, if your child pretends to be sick every morning before school. While it is normal for a child to feel anxious on their first day in a new environment, feeling sick every morning can be excessive.
- The symptoms are extreme. If your child’s symptoms keep them from engaging in their life or impact their health/functioning.
- The symptoms are illogical and uncontrollable. A child who doesn’t want to be left on the first day of school is understandable. A child who has spent some time attending school, but cries uncontrollably may need additional support.
How Can Therapy Help?
It can be remarkably difficult to watch your child experience symptoms of anxiety. You may be left feeling powerless, not knowing what to do. Your child’s anxiety may be impacting their ability to be productive, live the life they want and/or even straining family relationships. You are not alone, therapy can help.
When fear is severe, intense, and/or unprovoked, it is not healthy. Avoidance is not the answer. Symptoms of anxiety rarely improve on their own. Early intervention can be key in finding remission.
Call Carolina Counseling Services – Pittsboro, NC, to schedule with a licensed, independently contracted therapist who can help you and your child work through anxiety. We can’t wait to hear from you!