Should You Worry About Your Child's Anxiety?

Sep 17

Anxious girl afraid to separate from her mother sees a play therapist in Middlesex NJ for play therapy for separation anxiety

In today's fast-paced and increasingly complex world, it's not uncommon for children to experience anxiety at some point in their lives. While it's a normal part of childhood to feel anxious about certain situations or events, persistent and intense anxiety can raise concerns for parents.

Should you worry about your child's anxiety? This question is a crucial one, and in this blog post, we'll explore the topic in depth, discussing what childhood anxiety is, its causes, signs, and when it may be time to seek professional help.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress, and it can help children navigate challenging situations. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can interfere with a child's daily life and overall well-being. Childhood anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health issues in young people.

Boy afraid of the dark sees a play therapist in Middlesex NJ for play therapy for anxiety in children

Types of Childhood Anxiety Disorders

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Children with Generalize Anxiety Disorder worry excessively about various aspects of life, such as school, family, and friendships, often without a specific trigger.
Separation Anxiety Disorder: Common in young children, this disorder involves intense fear and distress when separated from parents or caregivers.
Social Anxiety Disorder: Children with social anxiety experience extreme fear of social situations and may avoid social interactions, which can impact their social and academic development.
Specific Phobias: Children can develop irrational fears of specific objects or situations, like animals, heights, or darkness.
Panic Disorder: Although less common in children, panic attacks can occur, leading to intense physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.

Causes of Childhood Anxiety

Several factors can contribute to the development of anxiety in children, including:

Genetics: There's evidence to suggest that anxiety disorders can run in families, indicating a genetic component.
Environmental Factors: Traumatic events, family stress, and exposure to violence or instability can contribute to anxiety.
Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can play a role in anxiety disorders.
Personality Traits: Children with certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or shyness, may be more prone to anxiety.
Life Changes: Major life transitions like starting school, moving, or experiencing the loss of a loved one can trigger anxiety in children.

Girl experiences stomach aches due to anxiety and sees a play therapist in Middlesex NJ for play therapy for anxiety in children

Signs of Childhood Anxiety

Recognizing anxiety in children can be challenging, as it can manifest in various ways. Common signs of childhood anxiety may include:

Excessive worrying about everyday events.
Physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
Sleep disturbances, including nightmares or trouble falling asleep.
Avoidance of specific situations or people.
Irritability, restlessness, or outbursts of anger.
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks.
Seeking constant reassurance from parents or caregivers.

When to Worry about Your Child’s Anxiety

It's essential to differentiate between normal developmental worries and clinical anxiety disorders. While occasional anxiety is a part of growing up, you should be concerned if:

Anxiety interferes with daily functioning: If anxiety prevents your child from attending school, socializing, or participating in activities they once enjoyed, it's a cause for concern.
Anxiety is persistent: If your child's worries or fears persist for several months and don't seem to improve with time or reassurance, it may be indicative of a more significant issue.
Physical symptoms are severe: If your child experiences severe physical symptoms like panic attacks or severe digestive problems, seeking professional help is crucial.
You observe behavioral changes: Sudden behavioral changes, such as increased aggression or withdrawal, can be red flags for underlying anxiety issues.

child sees a play therapist in Middlesex NJ for play therapy, CBT, ERP for children with anxiety

Seeking Help and Support for your Child’s Anxiety

If you suspect that your child may be struggling with anxiety, it's essential to seek help and support. Start by talking to your child's pediatrician, who can provide guidance and potentially refer you to a mental health professional. Therapeutic interventions, such as Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be effective in managing childhood anxiety.

In conclusion, childhood anxiety is a common issue that many children face, and it's essential for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms. While occasional anxiety is normal, persistent and severe anxiety can have a significant impact on a child's life. If you're worried about your child's anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Early intervention and appropriate support can make a world of difference in helping your child manage their anxiety and thrive in life. Remember, as a parent, your love, understanding, and support play a crucial role in helping your child navigate the challenges of anxiety.

Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.