Anxiety
Anxiety in children
Feeling anxious or worried sometimes is normal. But for some kids their anxious, fears or worries can last for weeks or more and start to interfere with all the things that kids want and need to do.Â
It can be difficult to know what a “normal” amount of worry is, and when to seek further help. Â
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in children
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in primary school aged children include:
- regularly avoiding everyday experiences and situations, such as school, social events, playing sport, eating or sleeping
- frequent physical complaints, such as tummy aches and headaches
- sudden emotional outbursts
- difficulty sleeping
- changes in appetite
- seeking reassurance often
- being preoccupied or unable to concentrate
- overplanning situations and overthinking things
Many children will show signs from time to time and they may not be related to anxiety.Â
When these signs apear frequently, in an ongoing pattern and cuase your child to struggle with everyday activities, they may be signs of an anxiety condition or disorder. Â
When and where to seek help
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety in primary school aged children include:
- regularly avoiding everyday experiences and situations, such as school, social events, playing sport, eating or sleeping
- frequent physical complaints, such as tummy aches and headaches
- sudden emotional outbursts
- difficulty sleeping
- changes in appetite
- seeking reassurance often
- being preoccupied or unable to concentrate
- overplanning situations and overthinking things
Many children will show signs from time to time and they may not be related to anxiety.Â
When these signs apear frequently, in an ongoing pattern and cause your child to struggle with everyday activities, they may be signs of an anxiety condition or disorder. Â
