Anxiety Symptoms in Children
Anxiety in children can show up in unexpected ways. It can be hard to spot, especially since kids might not always express their feelings directly. As a parent, teacher, or therapist, it’s crucial to understand how anxiety manifests so you can help children cope. This article highlights signs of anxiety in children and offers treatment approaches.
Anxiety Doesn’t Always Look the Same
It’s easy to assume that anxiety in children means constant worry, but anxiety can show up differently in each child. Instead of traditional signs like fear or concern, kids might act out, avoid situations, or seem irritable. Here are some unconventional signs that anxiety may be present:
1. Physical Complaints Without a Medical Cause
A child struggling with anxiety might frequently complain of stomach aches, headaches, or dizziness, especially before school or social events. These symptoms often don’t have a clear medical cause and are more about the body’s response to stress. If these complaints are persistent, especially before specific events, anxiety could be the underlying issue.
2. Meltdowns or Irritability
Children with anxiety might have meltdowns or seem more irritable than usual. These emotional outbursts may seem disproportionate to the situation and can happen when they feel overwhelmed by stress they can’t express. While tantrums are common in children, intense or frequent ones could signal that anxiety is playing a role.
3. Avoiding Socializing
Kids with anxiety may shy away from group activities, sports, or family events—not because they’re introverted, but because they feel nervous or self-conscious. These avoidance behaviors might be mistaken for a preference for being alone, but they often stem from fear of judgment or embarrassment.
4. Excessive Perfectionism
Some children with anxiety set unrealistically high expectations for themselves. This can show up as a fear of making mistakes, worrying about getting something “just right,” or stressing over minor imperfections. This behavior may reflect a deeper anxiety about failure or not meeting others’ expectations.
How to Help
When it comes to treating anxiety, typical suggestions—such as deep breathing or relaxation exercises—are helpful but not always enough. Here are some less conventional approaches that can be effective:
1. Narrative Therapy: Let Them Tell Their Story
Narrative therapy helps children see their anxiety as part of their story rather than as their identity. Instead of labeling themselves as “an anxious person,” kids can view anxiety as something they experience. By telling their story, children can feel empowered to face their anxiety and see it as a challenge they can overcome.
2. Movement and Play Therapy
Since children express themselves through action, incorporating movement and play into therapy can help them process their emotions. Play therapy, which uses toys and role-play to work through stress, can be effective. Likewise, activities like yoga or martial arts help children focus on the present, reducing anxiety through physical expression.
3. Building a Sense of Control
Anxiety often stems from unpredictability, so providing children with a consistent routine can help them feel more secure. While it’s important not to enforce a rigid schedule, having predictable activities—such as a calm-down routine before bedtime—helps reduce anxiety by creating a sense of control. A little flexibility within routines also gives children the power to manage changes.
4. Therapeutic Animal Interventions
Spending time with therapy animals can help some children feel calm and supported. Animals provide comfort without judgment, helping children relax and connect with their emotions. These interactions can also teach empathy, responsibility, and social skills, reducing anxiety over time.
Moving Forward
Kids may not always express their feelings clearly, and their symptoms can be easily misunderstood. By recognizing unconventional signs and using flexible, creative treatment approaches, we can help children cope with anxiety in ways that work best for them. If you are looking for a child therapist’s help, please schedule an appointment with me so we can discuss your options!