Anxiety in Children and Teens

We’ve been talking a lot lately about anxiety...a really worthwhile topic considering that it is the #1 mental health concern facing our society. What about children and teens though? How does anxiety show up for them? In many ways, it looks the same as adults. But in other ways, especially for our youngest ones, it can look really different. Anxiety has the potential to affect every part of a young person’s life, including their physical health, emotional well-being, education, and social skill development. With kids, when we notice new or concerning behaviors, we often think of it as a “phase” or something that they will “grow out of”. However, with anxiety, it doesn’t just go away, but rather, patterns tend to become more deeply entrenched. Also, because anxiety looks different for kids, many are misdiagnosed as having ADHD, oppositional behaviors, or other behavioral concerns.

Most mental health concerns develop to some extent prior to age 25, and early identification and treatment makes a significant difference. Knowing what to look for is important!

Here are a few common signs of anxiety in kids and teens:

• Excessive fears or worries; vigilance or wariness in the absence of real danger.
• Stomachaches, headaches or other aches and pains (Kids tend to feel anxiety in their bodies!)

• Appearing dependent, withdrawn, or uneasy in social settings; possibly trying to avoid social activities altogether.
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in overall sleep patterns. (sleeping too much or too little, resistance to going to bed or sleeping alone, excessive nightmares.)
• Changes in appetite patterns or eating habits.
• Low energy, or being too “revved up”.  
• Fidgetiness, constantly moving or being unable to sit still.
• Frequent tantrums or meltdowns; Irritability.
• Excessive clinginess or difficulty with separation.  
• Regression in previously mastered behaviors (ex: toileting)
• Inflexibility, or having to have things a “certain” way.
• Excessive reassurance seeking from adults.

Of course, some degree of anxiety is normal, but you may want to consider reaching out for support if your child or teen’s anxiety is at the point where it is interfering with their day to day life (or that of your family) in a significant way.

While it may seem frightening, anxiety is highly treatable with the right support in place.  As I teach my young clients, we first have to “Name It to Tame It”. Identifying anxiety for what it is, is the most important first step. Once this happens, you are empowered to take the needed steps to help your child or teen overcome their anxiety.  

To close, I offer you a prayer written by Christie Thomas from the website Little Shoots, Deep Roots, based on Psalm 118:6-7, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The Lord is with me; he is my helper.”  

“Thank you God that you are with me. Help me not to be afraid. I know that my worries can’t hurt me because you are with me, and you are my helper. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”