6 Common Signs of Anxiety in Children

When we think of anxiety, we probably automatically think of excessive worrying and fear. In children, however, anxiety can present much differently than we may be used to. While it’s natural for kids to feel anxious as they learn about their world, persistent anxiety can affect their emotional development and well-being. Here are 6 common signs of anxiety in children:

1. Excessive Worrying

This is a common symptom of anxiety for everyone, however in children, they tend to worry about situations far more intensely than others.

Children may worry excessively about events that seem minor to adults, such as schoolwork or social interactions.
They often ask questions repeatedly to seek reassurance.
Even after reassurance, the child may still be preoccupied with fears about future events.
This type of worry can extend to situations they have no control over, like their parents leaving them.

2. Avoidance of Situations

Avoidance is a common coping mechanism for children. They may refuse to participate in specific activities or avoid certain places to manage their anxious feelings.

An anxious child will avoid situations they perceive as threatening.
Avoidance can lead to missed opportunities for socialization and learning.
Children may become resistant to attending school, joining group activities, or trying new things.
Often, the avoidance is followed by outbursts or tantrums, especially if they feel pressure to face the situation they are anxious about.

3. Physical Aches and Pains

Children who experience anxiety often report physical symptoms, even though there are no underlying medical issues.

Common complaints include stomachaches, headaches, dizziness, and general feelings of being sick.
These symptoms often occur when the child is anticipating a situation that makes them anxious.
Physical symptoms of anxiety in children can sometimes be mistaken for frequent illness.
While these symptoms are not due to a medical diagnosis, the pain is still real because of the body’s reaction to stress.

4. Restlessness and Difficulty Concentrating

Anxiety can make it difficult for children to relax and focus, as their minds are often occupied by worries or fears.

Restlessness may look like fidgeting and having an inability to sit still.
Difficulty concentrating may look like children getting easily distracted, even with tasks they normally enjoy.
Teachers may take notice that the child is zoning out in class, struggling to follow instructions, or taking longer to complete assignments.
This restlessness and difficulty with concentration can impact academic performance and make a child feel frustrated with themselves.

5. Sleep Disturbances

Anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, as children may have trouble falling or staying asleep throughout the night. When bedtime approaches, their minds can race with worries, making it hard to wind down.

Children may experience nightmares, sleepwalking, or frequent awakenings.
They may ask parent to sleep with them or resist going to bed altogether.
Sleep disturbances can lead to daytime fatigue and irritability.
Over time, continuous lack of sleep can increase their anxiety, creating a challenging cycle of sleeplessness and stress.

6. Moodiness

Children with anxiety may also show signs of irritability and mood swings, which can sometimes be mistaken for misbehavior rather than a sign of anxiety.

Children might become easily frustrated or quick to anger, especially when they feel overwhelmed.
This can show up at home, in school, or during activities they previously felt comfortable.
Anxiety can cause children to lash out verbally or have sudden emotional outbursts when they feel unable to cope.
Moodiness can strain relationships with family members or peers at school, as others may not realize these mood swings are due to a more severe issue.

How to Help

If you start to notice any of these signs in your children, try to:

Listen and validate their feelings
Teach relaxation techniques
Establish a consistent routine
Encourage gradual exposure to fears

Another great way to help children is to seek help from a mental health professional. Child therapy can be a great way to help your child overcome their anxiety. Reach out today!