Anxiety in Children: Common Symptoms and Why They Sometimes Look Different
While we often associate anxiety with adults, children can have it too—and often in ways that are more difficult to recognize. Unlike adults, children may not have the language to express their worries clearly, so their anxiety can manifest in behaviors that might be mistaken for something else. Understanding the signs of anxiety in children is crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators so they can get the help they need.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
Excessive Worrying
Children with anxiety often worry too much about minor, often unlikely scenarios. They might focus in on how they’re doing in school, what their friends think about them, their family’s safety, or future events.
Physical Issues
Anxiety is not just an emotional experience—it affects the body, too. Many children with anxiety complain about frequent headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, nausea, or dizziness. These symptoms can occur even when there is no medical explanation. They often get worse during stressful situations, like before a big test.
Sleep Difficulties
Anxious children may struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or having nightmares. Their minds might race with worries, which makes it difficult for them to relax at bedtime.
Restlessness and Irritability
Anxiety can make children feel constantly on edge. They may be easily startled, fidgety, or have trouble sitting still. Some children may also become irritable or have frequent emotional outbursts because they don’t know how else to cope with their feelings.
Difficulty Concentrating
Anxiety can make it hard for children to focus in school or at home. They may be distracted, forgetful, or unable to complete important tasks. Teachers might mistake this for a lack of effort.
Clinginess
Some anxious children have difficulty separating from their adult caregivers. This can look like crying when being dropped off at school, constantly seeking reassurance, or refusing to be alone. While separation anxiety is normal in younger children, continuing clinginess beyond early childhood may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
Why Anxiety Looks Different in Children
Limited Emotional Vocabulary
Young children may not have the words to describe their feelings, so instead of saying, “I feel anxious,” they might say, “My stomach hurts,” or simply act out their distress. This can make it harder for adults to recognize the root cause of their behavior.
Acting Out Instead of Shutting Down
While some anxious children withdraw and become quiet, others act out. They may be defiant, aggressive, or throw tantrums. This is often mistaken for behavioral issues rather than emotional ones.
Perfectionism
Not all anxious children show their fear. Some channel their anxiety into trying to control their environment through perfectionism. They may push themselves too hard in school, sports, or other activities and become extremely distressed if they don’t meet their own high expectations.
Anxiety Masquerading as Physical Illness
Because anxiety can cause real physical symptoms, children may frequently visit the school nurse or complain of being sick. If a doctor finds no medical reason for their symptoms, anxiety could be the underlying cause.
How to Support an Anxious Child
Listen and Validate: Let your child know that their feelings are real and important. Avoid dismissing their worries, even if they seem irrational.
Teach Coping Skills: Help your child learn deep breathing, mindfulness, gentle exercise, and other relaxation techniques to manage their anxiety.
Encourage Gradual Exposure: If your child avoids certain situations due to anxiety, help them face their fears in small, manageable steps rather than forcing them into overwhelming situations.
Model Emotional Regulation: Children learn by example. Show them how you manage stress and anxiety in your own life.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your child has a hard time engaging with their daily life because of their anxiety levels, it’s time to reach out to a therapist. Schedule a consultation with us today. Together, we can figure out the best therapeutic intervention for your child so that they can learn to cope with anxiety in a healthy way.
