Introduction to Children and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, affecting 40 million adults in the US ages 18 and older. But what about children? The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that 3 million children in the US suffer from an anxiety disorder.
That’s a lot of children feeling an intense sense of unease and fear for no reason. It can be difficult for parents to identify early signs of anxiety in their children. This is why it’s important for parents to be aware of the symptoms of childhood anxiety.
Types of Anxiety Common Among Children
There are various types of anxiety that are common among children.
These anxiety disorders are commonly referred to as GAD (generalised anxiety disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), SAD (social anxiety disorder), selective mutism, panic disorder and specific phobias.
Fears and worries are typical in children as they are trying to figure out the world around them. However, if these fears and worries persist or become extreme, it could be a sign that the child is experiencing an anxiety disorder or depression.
“Anxiety is an emotion. One that we all feel. It becomes an anxiety disorder or something of concern if it is persistent, lingers or if a person is still worrying about something days or weeks after the event,” share one of Spring Forward Family Centre’s experts on Child Counselling.
Physical, Behavioural and Cognitive Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
There are a range of physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms of anxiety in children. Some of the most common physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and stomachaches.
Behaviourally, anxious children may be clingy, startle easily, cry or have tantrums. They may also have difficulty sleeping and eating, as well as changes in mood. Cognitively, anxious children may seem to worry excessively about small things, have a hard time making decisions or concentrating, and be overly perfectionistic. They can also become fixated on certain nonimportant things. Become easily upset or have changes in behaviour that is not “them.”
It’s important for parents to be aware of these symptoms so that they can identify early signs of anxiety in their children and seek help.
Strategies for Parents to Help Manage Childhood Anxiety
There are a few things you can do as a parent to help your child manage their anxiety.
- Be there for them: Show them that you understand and feel empathy for what they’re going through. Just listening to them and being there for them can make a world of difference.
- Let them know that this doesn’t make them any less of a person for feeling this way
- Teach them coping skills: Show them some breathing exercises or other calming techniques that they can use when they start to feel anxious. It is important to feel grounded as anxiety makes us feel like we are not.
- Seek professional help: If your child’s anxiety is severe or interfering with their daily life, it’s best to seek professional help from a therapist or counsellor who specialises in childhood anxiety.
The Importance of Professional Child Counselling When Needed
If you’re a parent, you might be wondering what you can do to help your child if they’re experiencing anxiety. And the answer is: get professional help.
Sure, you can try to talk to your child about their anxieties and help them come up with coping mechanisms, but if their anxiety is severe, it’s going to be really tough for them to manage on their own. That’s where child counselling comes in. And in most cases, it doesn’t just have to be severe anxiety. Sometimes a parent’s anxiety makes the child’s anxiety worse. This then becomes counter productive
A professional counsellor will be able to help your child understand their anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms. And not only that, but they can also provide support for you as a parent.
So if you think your child might be struggling with anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. It could make all the difference in the world.
How to Find Reputable Child Counsellors in Australia
If you think your child may be experiencing anxiety, it’s important to seek professional help. But how do you know if a counsellor is reputable?
Here are a few things to look for:
- Find out if the counsellor uses evidence-based methods. This means that they use methods that have been proven to be effective through research.
- Ask about the counsellor’s cancellation policy. A good counsellor will understand that life can be unpredictable, and will have a flexible cancellation policy.
If you’re looking for a reputable child counsellor in Australia, you can look at reputable and trusted providers like Spring Forward Family Centre.
Conclusion
So, what are the signs of childhood anxiety?
Some of the most common signs of childhood anxiety are physical symptoms, such as being constantly tired, having trouble sleeping, headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick all the time.
Behavioural signs of childhood anxiety can include changes in eating habits, becoming more clingy, or withdrawing from friends or activities they used to enjoy. Headaches and stomaches are major indicators to anxiety too.
If you are worried that your child may be experiencing anxiety, the best thing to do is speak to your GP or a qualified child counsellor. Early intervention is the key to helping your child overcome anxiety and grow into a happy and healthy adult.
