Anxiety can be difficult for anyone to handle, let alone children. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to distinguish between signs of anxiety in children and signs of regular worries. As an active parent, teacher, guardian, or relative you may be unsure whether a child is simply worried or if they are showing signs of anxiety. Here are some signs your child might be experiencing more than typical worries, and that they might need additional help from mental health professionals.
1. Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is one of several different types of anxiety that can impact children and adults alike. Studies show that the rates of social anxiety increase throughout the developmental stages, with almost 5% of children, over 8% of adolescents, and 17% of youth experiencing this disorder. This means that children may be more likely to feel socially anxious as they get older.
Social anxiety is different from simply being shy or introverted. Children with social anxiety have an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or simply fearful in social situations and may try to avoid them altogether. This can make it difficult for children to participate in everyday activities, such as going to school, playing with friends, or attending extracurricular or social events.
Some common signs of social anxiety in children include:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Clinging to parents or caregivers in social situations
- Difficulty speaking or freezing up when asked a question
- Physical symptoms like sweating, blushing, or trembling when around others
If you notice these signs of anxiety in children you know, it’s best to get them help with a mental health professional. They can learn the coping skills needed to confront social situations head-on instead of avoiding or using other negative coping skills, like throwing tantrums, to avoid social interactions.
2. Magical Thinking
Magical thinking can be difficult for parents to recognize, as it deals with two big myths, including that children cannot have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, and the notion of OCD itself. Even today, phrases like “I’m so OCD” or “that’s just my OCD talking” are commonly used to describe neatness or cleanliness. Unfortunately, the truth is that OCD can be a serious and debilitating disorder for children.
OCD itself is characterized by a pattern of obsessive thoughts, or obsessions, that then lead to compulsions to help quell the anxiety caused by the obsession. For instance, a child with OCD might refuse to eat certain foods because of a fear of contamination, or they may have to perform specific rituals before leaving the house to prevent something bad from happening.
In terms of magical thinking, children with OCD can believe that their thoughts are powerful enough to influence reality. Studies show that this false belief in the importance of thoughts is a hallmark of OCD in children and common in pediatric OCD. Since OCD is an anxiety disorder, thoughts like magical thinking can lead children to display some frightening signs, such as:
- Rituals to prevent bad things from happening
- Saying certain phrases to ward off danger
- Avoiding specific objects or people they believe are “bad luck”
- Repeatedly asking for reassurance or seeking validation from adults
Unfortunately, this type of thinking can be challenging for parents to understand and address. Seeking help from a therapist or mental health provider can help parents and children get an OCD diagnosis sooner, and start therapy like CBT or ERP to help decrease anxiety.
3. Physical Signs of Anxiety in Children
Rates of panic disorder in children are reported to be as high as 10%. This is a scary statistic, especially for adults who have experienced panic disorder for themselves and know how debilitating it can be.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks that lead to a fear of the attacks themselves. It’s a vicious cycle that leads people to avoid and slowly close off their world for the sake of preventing a panic attack. Panic attacks themselves are moments of heightened anxiety, where children can experience symptoms such as:
- Feeling of dissociation
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Chest pain or tightness
- Nausea or stomach distress
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Panic attacks can be especially challenging for children to understand and cope with, as they may not have the language skills or emotional regulation techniques to express their feelings effectively. It’s crucial for parents and adults in a child’s life to recognize these physical signs of anxiety and seek professional help if needed. Because the signs of anxiety in children with panic attacks mimic other health conditions, it’s best for a trained mental health professional to make an accurate diagnosis.
4. Separation Anxiety in Children
Separation anxiety is another common type of anxiety disorder found in children. It’s characterized by excessive fear or distress when being separated from a parent, caregiver, or loved one. This fear can lead to clinginess, difficulty sleeping alone, and reluctance to go to school or daycare.
While some level of separation anxiety is normal for children, it becomes problematic when it interferes with their daily functioning and causes significant stress for both the child and their family. If your child is struggling to cope while being away from you for school, daycare, or elsewhere, it’s crucial to seek support to help them learn to reduce their fear.
Getting Help For Children with Anxiety
At Elevation Behavioral Health, we know how difficult it can be for adults and children alike to cope with anxiety. Our experienced team of mental health professionals is trained in working with children and families to overcome anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, social anxiety, and separation anxiety. We use evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group, and individual therapy to help children develop coping skills and manage their symptoms of anxiety effectively.
Additionally, we also offer support for parents and caregivers and understand the impact that anxiety can have on the entire family. If you’re looking for in-depth care, from inpatient to outpatient mental health treatment for children with anxiety in Agoura Hills, we’re here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation and explore your child’s treatment options.
