HEALTHYKIDS
KIDS WITH ANXIETY:
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A GROWING CONCERN
sk any pediatric health care professional or educator about children with anxiety, and you’ll hear that we’re seeing more and more children struggle with mental and behavioral health concerns. As a parent, you may have noticed this as well. Many factors are contributing to this rise, but there’s good news, too. More awareness, resources and techniques than ever before can help kids navigate and learn how to cope with stress and anxiety. In honor of National Mental Health Awareness month, let’s review what anxiety looks like for children, and how you can foster positive mental health at home. Finally, we’ll look at when and where to ask for help in your community.
ANXIETY OVERVIEW
We’ve all experienced anxiety at one point or another in our lives. Stress and anxiety are helpful when they make you take action but become problematic when your quality of life starts to suffer. For example, imagine you have a big test coming up that has you worried. Good stress motivates you to prepare and study. Bad stress paralyzes you and makes you think that studying won’t matter. Then, when you get a bad grade, you blame it on not studying. As your children grow and develop, they experience plenty of age-appropriate fears. A few common examples: n
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9 MONTHS – Around 9 months, your baby may show signs of separation anxiety, more commonly known as a sense of “stranger danger.” Some babies don’t mind being with unfamiliar people, but others are inconsolable until they are reunited with their familiar person. PRESCHOOL – This age group has many real fears based on imaginary dangers, like monsters in the closet or fear of the dark. ELEMENTARY – School-age kids start to fear real-life dangers, like tornadoes, insects, animals or what happens when animals or people die. MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL – Social anxiety, fear of the future and fear of failure are all significant stressors.
For most kids, anxiety levels seem “normal” for their age. However, problematic anxiety is on the rise. Anxiety disorders are typically diagnosed when worries and fears interfere with a child’s ability to function or enjoy life. Fear and worry can keep your child from trying new activities or making friends and interfere with school performance.
14 may 2023
kcparent.com
CHILDHOOD SIGNS OF ANXIETY
As a parent, you know your child best. Every person’s journey with anxiety is unique, and symptoms can change over time. In general, some signs your child may be struggling to control worries and fears may look like this: n
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EXCESSIVE WORRY. Worries that seem out of proportion for the situation, or extreme separation anxiety. INTENSE FEARS. Fears that keep your child from participating in activities. IRRITABILITY OR ANGER. Your child may blow up over seemingly minor transgressions. PHYSICAL SIGNS you may notice: Fatigue Headaches Stomachaches Poor sleep Panic attack symptoms – difficulty breathing, heart pounding, dizziness, feeling shaky or sweaty.