Childhood anxiety manifests in children as intense, persistent worry or fear that interferes with a child’s daily life. Symptoms often include clinginess, stomach aches, trouble sleeping, tantrums and avoidance of school and/or social situations. By grasping the nature of child anxiety parents and caregivers are better able to offer a child support and assistance. Support strategies for childhood anxiety include reassurance, routine, therapy and creating a safe emotional environment.
What is Childhood Anxiety?
Fears and anxiety in early childhood are normal parts of childhood. Fear is a natural reaction to danger or threat, while anxiety arises in response to a possible threat. New fears and anxiety are usually short-lived and indicate that children are learning to solve problems independently. As such, children often develop fears, real or imagined. In response, parents can help by taking fears seriously, providing truthful information, encouraging gradual exposure, and maintaining routines.
However, research shows that 15-20% of children may develop anxiety disorders, which differ from normal childhood fear or anxiety. These disorders involve more extreme avoidance, intense emotional reactions, or longer-lasting symptoms. Accordingly, childhood anxiety disorders go beyond normal fear of anxiety.
What Causes Anxiety in Children?
- Genetic Predispositions: Some children inherit a vulnerability to anxiety. Family history plays a role in determining whether a child is more prone to anxiety.
- Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters and brain circuits influence anxiety as they can affect how a child perceives and responds to stressors. Chemical imbalances, for example low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), can contribute to anxiety disorders.
- Life Experiences: Traumatic events, such as loss, abuse, accidents, perceived or actual threats to safety, can trigger anxiety. Truama can relate to a single or continuous event and it can also be direct or indirect.
- Stressful Life Transitions: Children respond differently to transition, as such transitions like starting school or moving can be stressful. When experienced as stressful, transitions can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing and may trigger anxiety.
- Environmental Stressors:
- School-related Anxiety: Children may worry about meeting expectations or facing challenges in the classroom. Consequently, fear of academic performance, social interactions, or fitting in at school can trigger anxiety.
- Social Pressures: Social situations can be overwhelming, especially if a child fears judgment or rejection. The result is that making friends, peer acceptance, and navigating social expectations can cause anxiety.
- Parental Anxiety: Children absorb parental stress and anxiety. As a result, if parents experience high levels of anxiety, it can affect their children’s emotional state and may trigger anxiety.
- Family Dynamics: Conflict, instability, or overprotectiveness affect a child’s emotional wellbeing which can contribute to children experiencing childhood anxiety.
How Anxiety Affects Child Development
Depending on what the underlying cause of childhood anxiety is, there are numerous ways that anxiety can affect a child’s development. For example, children who are anxious can experience learning difficulties which are further intensified if their anxiety also manifests with perfectionist and/or procrastinating behaviours. Cognitive development can also be negatively impacted such that a child might have difficulty focusing or battle to problem-solve. In the long-term, childhood anxiety can increase a child’s risk of mental health issues and could, in severe cases, lead to self-harm as a coping mechanism.
Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
Anxiety can significantly impact a child’s wellbeing, and early intervention is crucial. As caregivers, it’s essential to recognise signs of anxiety and create an environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Remember that each child is unique, and how anxiety symptoms manifest may vary.
3 Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
- Extreme avoidance behaviours.
- Intense emotional reactions.
- Longer-lasting symptoms.
6 Types of Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Here are 6 common types of childhood anxiety and their associated signs. Please note that they exclude cases arising from communication disorders or language barriers.
- Seperation Anxiety Disorder.
- Social Anxiety Disorder.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- Panic Disorder.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- Selective Mutism.
1. Seperation Anxiety Disorder
Commonly causes headaches or stomach aches which occur before anticipated separations. Symptoms persist for at least four weeks.
Signs of Seperation Anxiety Disorder:
- Fear of parental illness or loss.
- Reluctance to leave home or attend school.
- Dread of solitude or sleeping alone.
- Nightmares related to separation.
2. Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety symptoms impede daily functioning significantly and can often stem from a persistent fear of judgement or risk of being humiliated.
Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder
- Avoidance or distress in social settings.
- Physiological reactions (trembling, sweating, breathing difficulties) during social interactions.
- Tantrums or tears in social situations (especially among young children).
- Apprehension about others perceiving their anxiety.
3. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder can be mental, physical and/or behavioural, occur on most days for at least six months and interfere with daily activities. GAD is often rooted in excessively worrying about areas of life that are out of a child’s control.
Signs of GAD
- Restlessness.
- Persistent edginess.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Impaired concentration.
- Heightened irritability.
- Sleep disturbances.
4. Panic Disorder
A panic disorder involves a child having intense and sudden panic attacks that can cause symptoms such as rapid heart rates, dizziness and shortness of breath. A child’s panic attack can present dramatically with hyperventilation, screaming or crying. When seeking a diagnosis, it’s important to rule out medical causes and alternative conditions like PTSD.
Signs of a Panic Disorder:
- Recurrent, unforeseen panic attacks with overwhelming physical sensations that lack an obvious reason or trigger.
- Persistent fear of subsequent panic attacks.
- Behavioural changes (avoidance of triggering environments) post-attack.
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD results in thoughts and behaviours which cause a child distress and impede their normal functioning.
Signs of OCD:
- Repetitive behaviours that are aimed at reducing stress, such as checking and rechecking locks, rearranging objects or reoccurring and unnecessary hand washing.
- Mental compulsions like counting or repeating phrases or words.
- Unrealistic fears of, for example, germs or risk of harm happening to others.
6. Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is often confused with shyness that is common for a child to feel outside of their home. However, it is the inability to speak in specific social situations which is not a choice and persistent. Selective mutism is essentially an anxiety-driven silence that persists for at least a month.
Signs of Selective Mutism:
- Difficulty communicating verbally in specific contexts, for example talkative at home but silent at school.
- Impairment in educational and social spheres due to communication challenges.
- Within specific settings avoids eye contact, has stiff body language and/or holding of breath.
It is important to remember that open communication with children about their feelings is essential. If you notice persistent signs of anxiety, consider seeking professional help to support your child’s emotional wellbeing.
How to Help with Childhood Anxiety
There are natural and professional ways to support children with anxiety. When a child experiences anxiety, it is important for parents and caregivers to respond with empathy and understanding. Even if their worries seem irrational, acknowledging their feelings as genuine is crucial. Instead of dismissing their concerns, engage in open communication to explore their thoughts and the root cause of their distress. This creates a supportive environment which better enables them to express their emotions. However, if anxiety symptoms persist, get worse or significantly disrupt a child’s daily life over an extended period of time, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance.
How to Treat Anxiety in a Child Naturally
1. Foster a Supportive Environment:
- Create a home environment where your child feels safe and loved.
- Encourage positive interactions with family members.
- Model healthy coping strategies yourself.
2. Establish Open Communication:
- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.
- Create a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their worries.
- Listen actively and validate their emotions.
3. Provide Consistent Reassurance:
- Remind your child that it’s normal to feel anxious sometimes.
- Offer comfort and let them know you’re there to support them.
- Reassure them that their feelings are valid and manageable.
4. Maintain a Structured Routine:
- Predictability and consistency can reduce anxiety.
- Maintain regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and daily activities.
- Avoid sudden changes whenever possible.
5. Teach Practical Coping Strategies:
- Deep breathing exercises.
- Visualization (imagining a calm place).
- Progressive muscle relaxation.
- Mindfulness techniques.
6. Encourage and Promote Relaxation Techniques:
- Yoga or stretching.
- Listening to calming music.
- Spending time in nature.
- Engaging in hobbies they enjoy.
Childhood Anxiety Disorder: When to Seek Help
If your child is experiencing anxiety that escalates, significantly affects their daily life or persists over time, seeking professional help is crucial. This is because the sooner your child receives help, the better the outcome. Always remember that seeking help is a sign of strength. You are not alone in supporting your child’s wellbeing.
How to Seek Help for Your Child
- Consult with a Paediatrician: Start by discussing your child’s concern. Your child’s overall health will be assessed and if necessary, you will be referred to a mental health professional.
- Mental Health Professionals: Consider consulting with an educational psychologist or psychiatrist. Your child’s condition will be evaluated, and appropriate intervention will be recommended, be it psychotherapy or counselling.
- Therapy: Counselling and psychotherapy are the first line of treatment for childhood anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
- Parental and Caregiver Support: As a parent, you play a crucial role. Learn about anxiety disorders, practice patience, and provide emotional support. Encourage open communication with your child.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms. Consult a psychiatrist to discuss the risks and benefits.
- School Involvement: Collaborate with your child’s school. Teachers can implement strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing in the classroom.
How to Help Children Overcome Childhood Anxiety
Are you passionate about helping children to flourish and overcome childhood anxiety? An excellent way of doing this is through a career as a psychologist. SACAP (The South African College of Applied Psychology) offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Applied Psychology, ensuring alignment with HPCSA standards. These programmes provide pathways to careers in various psychology fields in South Africa and abroad. SACAP offers on-campus studying in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Durban as well as online learning. Apply Online today to start your journey towards fostering emotional wellbeing and establishing resilience in children. Or Contact a Student Advisor to discuss your SACAP Study Options.
