Social Anxiety in Kids
Parenting a child with social anxiety can be a challenge, but you're ...
READ MEAnxiety in Kids
If a child has persistent feelings of worry and fear, it could be anxiety. Let’s explore what anxiety is and how you can support your child to overcome it.
When anxiety becomes a problem for your child
Some level of anxiety is a normal part of life and growing up. But if your child is anxious for long periods of time then it could be a problem.
It’s natural for kids to experience anxiety when faced with new or stressful situations and it doesn’t mean that they will develop an anxiety disorder.
With some reassurance and support, these worries don’t last long and kids will learn the skills they need to cope. However, if these worries don’t lessen over time or get worse, it could be a sign of a developing anxiety disorder.
Your child may need some extra support with their anxiety if:
- They seem to be more anxious than other children their age
- They feel anxious often and the anxiety is intense
- Their fears and worries seem out of proportion to what they’re facing
- It stops them from participating in activities or day-to-day tasks
- They have feelings of panic and/or panic attacks
- They avoid anything that might trigger their anxiety
- The anxiety stops them from doing things other children their age do
Signs your child might be experiencing anxiety
As a parent, it's important to be aware of some of the signs of anxiety and how they might appear in your child so you know when to intervene.
Here are some signs that your child might have anxiety:
- Worries most days and for long periods of time
- Complains of stomach pains or headaches when they feel uneasy about something
- Clings to you and seeks reassurance often
- Tries to avoid situations that they feel worried or scared about
- Has lots of fears, dislikes taking risks or trying new things
- Worries about making mistakes and doing things the wrong way
- Thinking about the situation makes them more worried and tense
- Inability to control fear or worry, asks lots of “what if?” questions
- Irritable, tired and has difficulty concentrating
- Asks for help with things they can do for themselves - “will you do it for me?”
- Gets upset easily, especially over small things
- Trouble sleeping at night - won’t go to sleep alone or experiences nightmares
- Their worries and fears are out of proportion to the situation
- Tries to get others to do the things they’re worried about - “will you tell them for me?”
- Always sees the dangerous or negative side of things
- Physical symptoms like muscle tension, sweating and diarrhoea
"Anxiety disorders are one of the most common types of mental health concerns in kids, with around 7% of Australian children experiencing some type of anxiety disorder"
– Sky, Parentline Counsellor
Common types of anxiety disorders in kids
There are many different types of anxiety disorders, all with different symptoms. Here are some of the most common types in kids:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Large amounts of time spent worrying about any aspect of life – past, present or future.
Specific Phobias: Intense irrational fears and panicked reactions to specific objects or situations eg. dogs, heights, the dark.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after a significant stressful event such as a natural disaster or personal trauma.
Social Anxiety or Social Phobia: Extreme shyness and intense feelings of fear and worry that something bad will happen to them in a social situation.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Persistent and unwanted thoughts followed by impulses or compulsive, repetitive behaviour.
Panic Attacks or Panic Disorder: Periods of intense fear which starts suddenly eg. shortness of breath, pounding heartbeat, chest pain.
How to support your child through anxiety
There are many things you can do as a parent to support your kids with anxiety. Here are some strategies to try:
- Find out more about anxiety – read books and talk to experts
- Avoid telling them to ‘stop worrying’ – often they can’t control it
- Teach them about anxiety – its role is to protect us from threats
- Talk about their anxiety – sketch where on their body they feel it
- Reassure them that shaking, sweating and a racing heart can be part of anxiety
- Slow things down – encourage your child to take some slow, deep breaths
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle – eat well, exercise, sleep
- Be patient and positive as your child practices new ways to cope
- Seek professional support for you and your child when needed
- Let them know you can work together to overcome anxiety
- Acknowledge fears and help them to see that things might not be as bad as they think
- Help them manage their anxiety – set daily goals and develop coping skills
Kids can overcome anxiety with some help and support
It can be stressful wondering if your child is suffering from anxiety.
If you have concerns about possible signs of anxiety in your child you can seek further information and support through your local GP.
If you need some guidance on how to help your child manage their anxiety, give us a call on 1300 30 1300 (QLD & NT) and speak to one of our trained counsellors.
Not living in QLD or NT? Check out this list of Parentline counselling services in each state or territory.
If your child needs support to manage anxiety they can call Kids Helpline and talk with a counsellor any time, any day.
This content was last reviewed 10/05/2018
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