As parents, caregivers, or educators, it is common to witness children expressing fears or worries, whether it is about a new school year, a visit to the doctor, or a stormy night. Experiencing a certain degree of anxiety is a normal part of childhood development, as children process the world around them. However, when these anxieties become excessive, persistent, or interfere with daily life, it may signal a deeper issue. Understanding childhood anxiety symptoms and knowing when to seek help is important to make sure children get the support they need to navigate their emotional challenges.
This guide will walk you through 16 common symptoms of childhood anxiety, offering insights into when these signs may indicate an anxiety disorder and how they differ from normal developmental fears. By following this childhood anxiety symptoms checklist, parents and caregivers can better assess if professional help is needed for their child.
What is Childhood Anxiety?
Childhood anxiety, like anxiety in adults, involves feelings of fear, nervousness, or unease, but in children, these emotions may manifest differently. Children often lack the vocabulary to express their anxiety in the same way an adult might. Instead, anxiety can show up in behaviours such as temper tantrums, clinginess, refusal to participate in activities, or even physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches. These signs are not always easy to spot, and in many cases, anxiety in children is overlooked or misinterpreted as a behavioural issue.
It is important to note that not all signs of anxiety mean that a child has an anxiety disorder. However, when these persistent symptoms interfere with the child’s ability to function, it is time to consider professional evaluation.
Common Childhood Anxiety Symptoms
Here are the primary symptoms to look out for. While one or two might not necessarily signal an anxiety disorder, a pattern or combination of these behaviours can be a sign that a child may need help managing their feelings.
- Persistent Worry or Fear
It is natural for children to experience some worry about new experiences, school events, or changes in routine. However, if your child seems to be constantly worried, even about things that do not typically cause anxiety in others, this could be a red flag. Children with anxiety often worry about a wide range of things, from school performances to family matters, even in the absence of real threats or stressors.
- Avoidance of Everyday Activities
Anxiety often manifests as avoidance. A child who suddenly refuses to attend school, participate in social events, or engage in everyday activities they once enjoyed may be struggling with anxiety. This avoidance can stem from fear of situations where they feel overwhelmed or worried about something going wrong.
- Frequent Complaints of Physical Ailments
Anxiety in children often presents itself through physical symptoms, such as stomach aches, headaches, or fatigue. While these complaints may have a physical cause, they are often a result of emotional distress. Children who are anxious may experience symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or muscle tension, especially when anticipating a stressful event, such as a test or social gathering.
- Excessive Clinginess or Separation Anxiety
Some children develop excessive clinginess, particularly when they must be separated from a parent or caregiver. This may show up as a child crying uncontrollably when being dropped off at school or refusing to sleep in their own bed at night. While separation anxiety is common in younger children, it becomes concerning if it persists beyond the expected age or begins to disrupt daily life.
- Irritability or Restlessness
Children with anxiety often feel on edge, which can lead to irritability and restlessness. They may become easily frustrated, have frequent outbursts, or show signs of agitation in situations that would not normally upset them. This irritability is often a result of inner tension that they do not know how to manage.
- Trouble Sleeping
Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of childhood anxiety. This can include trouble falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, nightmares, or fears of the dark. Children with anxiety may also experience night terrors or feel afraid to go to bed, worried about something bad happening while they sleep.
- Trouble Concentrating or Focusing
Anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate on tasks. This may be especially noticeable in school, where anxiety can lead to difficulty paying attention or completing assignments. A child who is constantly distracted, forgetful, or appears to be “zoning out” may be experiencing anxiety that is affecting their cognitive functioning.
- Overwhelming Fear of Social Situations
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder where a child may feel excessively fearful or self-conscious in social settings. Symptoms may include a fear of being judged, making mistakes in front of others, or even a complete refusal to engage with peers. A child with social anxiety might avoid parties, group activities, or school events because of the intense fear of being negatively evaluated by others.
- Perfectionism and Unrealistic Standards
Children with anxiety may develop perfectionistic tendencies, where they set impossibly high standards for themselves and become very upset if they do not meet them. This can lead to frustration, self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy. These children may spend excessive time on tasks, constantly striving for perfection, even in areas where it is not necessary.
- Constant Need for Reassurance
Some children with anxiety may seek constant reassurance from parents or caregivers. This could include asking repeatedly if everything is okay, whether their homework is correct, or whether they will be safe. While it is normal for children to seek reassurance occasionally, when this need becomes excessive, it may indicate anxiety.
- Tantrums or Defiant Behaviour
Anxiety in children can sometimes manifest as temper tantrums or defiant behaviour. When a child feels overwhelmed by anxiety, they may lash out or act out in ways that appear to be a behavioural issue, rather than an emotional struggle. This can be particularly challenging for parents who might mistake it for poor behaviour rather than a reaction to underlying anxiety.
- Excessive Worry About Performance
Children with anxiety often worry about their performance in various areas, such as academics, sports, or creative endeavours. This might manifest as fear of failure, reluctance to try new things, or feeling like they must be the best in everything they do. This excessive worry can cause significant distress and can interfere with their ability to enjoy activities or perform at their best.
- Difficulty Making Decisions
Anxiety can make even small decisions feel overwhelming for children. They may second-guess themselves, fear making the wrong choice, or become paralyzed by indecision. This can lead to delays in completing tasks or avoiding decisions altogether.
- Difficulty Managing Emotions
Children with anxiety may struggle to manage their emotions, especially when faced with stressful situations. They might become easily upset or overwhelmed by things that would not typically cause distress. Learning to cope with their emotions in healthy ways is an essential part of emotional development, and anxiety can make this process much harder.
- Increased Sensitivity to Criticism
A child with anxiety may be hypersensitive to criticism. Even well-intended feedback can be perceived as a personal attack, causing feelings of shame, embarrassment, or frustration. This heightened sensitivity can make social interactions and learning environments particularly challenging for anxious children.
- Unexplained Outbursts or Aggression
Some children may channel their anxiety into anger or aggression. This could involve yelling, hitting, or throwing objects when they feel overwhelmed. These outbursts are often a way for children to release pent-up anxiety, but they can be misunderstood as behavioural problems.
Common Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your child, you might be wondering how to best support them. Below are answers to some of the most common questions parents have about childhood anxiety.
- What are the common signs of childhood anxiety?
Common signs include excessive worry, fear of separation from parents, difficulty concentrating, physical complaints like stomach aches or headaches, and avoidance of certain situations or activities. Children may also show irritability, anger, or defiance because of their anxiety.
- How can I tell if my child’s anxiety is normal or a disorder?
It’s normal for children to experience anxiety in response to specific events (e.g., a new school year). However, if anxiety lasts more than a few weeks, is highly intense, and interferes with daily life (school, friendships, family interactions), it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
- Can anxiety cause behavior problems in children?
Yes, children with anxiety may act out in response to their fears. This can include tantrums, defiant behavior, or emotional outbursts, especially when they feel overwhelmed or unable to express their feelings.
- What is the best way to help an anxious child?
The first step is to acknowledge your child’s feelings without judgment. Offering reassurance and creating a structured environment can help. For persistent or severe anxiety, professional therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy) is often recommended.
- At what age can a child start therapy for anxiety?
Children as young as 4 or 5 can begin therapy for anxiety. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term emotional or behavioural issues.
- Is anxiety hereditary?
Anxiety can run in families, but it is not purely genetic. Environmental factors, such as parenting styles and life experiences, also play a significant role in a child’s likelihood of developing anxiety.
- How can I support my child with anxiety at home?
Providing a safe, calm environment and teaching relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or mindfulness, can help. Encouraging open communication and setting realistic expectations can also reduce stress for you and your child.
When childhood anxiety reaches a level where it interferes with daily functioning, it is important to seek professional help. At Stillar Psychological, we offer support for children and adolescents dealing with anxiety, providing a safe and compassionate space for them to explore their feelings and learn coping strategies.
Our experienced team of registered psychologists works with both children and their families to address anxiety and its underlying causes, helping to build a strong foundation for emotional well-being.
