What Are the Signs of Anxiety in Children? 

Anxiety is an extremely prevalent mental health condition, and one that is becoming more and more common in children. As a parent, having an anxious child can lead to high levels of concern and worry. If you suspect that your child is suffering from anxiety, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs of anxiety in children and to consult with a mental health professional. At Life Insight, our therapists are here to help. Read more about the signs of anxiety in children and call our team today for mental health support you can trust. 

Types of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety can present in different ways, and there are various anxiety disorders in addition to generalized anxiety disorder. Types of anxiety in children include:

• Separation anxiety. Separation Anxiety Disorder, or SAD, is an anxiety disorder in which a child has fears and worries about being separated from family members, particularly parents or other primary caregivers. SAD can be caused by both biological and environmental factors. 
• Phobia. A phobia is an excessive fear of a particular situation or object. A child may have a specific phobia—for example, a fear of flying or heights—or they may have panic disorder, agoraphobia, or social phobia. 
• Social anxiety. One type of phobia may be social phobia, sometimes referred to as social anxiety. When a child has social anxiety, they have fear or worry about their interactions with other people. 
• Generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety is a condition where a child has excessive worry about everyday situations, such as going to school, riding in the car, doing homework, etc. 

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

The signs and symptoms of anxiety in children will vary depending on the type of anxiety and the specific child—no two people will have exactly the same symptoms or causes of anxiety. Some symptoms of anxiety to watch out for include difficulty concentrating, poor sleep habits, crying, behavioral issues (i.e. tantrums), being clingy, constant worry, angry outbursts, poor eating habits, and feeling tense. For young children, bed wetting could also be a sign of anxiety or another disorder. 

Get Help from Life Insight Today

If you suspect that your child is suffering from anxiety, getting them the help they need is important. At Life Insight, we provide anxiety counseling to children and parents. To learn more about our services for anxiety therapy and how we can help you and your child, reach out to us today by phone or online.