Recognising anxiety symptoms in your child
Anxiety is a common and perfectly normal emotion that children experience. However, when anxiety becomes persistent, intense, and starts interfering with your child's daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder. In this blog post, you will learn the common anxiety symptoms in children, practical tips to help your child cope, and explain how a specialised psychologist can help.
Anxiety symptoms to look out for
Physical symptoms: Children with anxiety can experience frequent headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or fatigue. They can also have trouble sleeping or show changes in appetite.
Emotional signs: Look out for excessive worrying, irritability, restlessness, or mood swings. Children with anxiety typically show higher sensitivity or fearfulness.
Behavioural changes: Children can show avoidance behaviours, such as refusing to take part in activities or school-related tasks. They may become clingy, show separation anxiety, or seek constant reassurance.
Cognitive signs: Notice if your child is now displaying excessive self-doubt, negative thinking patterns, perfectionistic tendencies, difficulties with concentration or decision-making.
Tips for parents
Create a supportive environment: Foster an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where your child feels comfortable and safe expressing their worries and fears.
Validate their feelings: Acknowledge your child's emotions and reassure them that it's normal to feel anxious. Let them know you are there to support them.
Teach coping strategies: Help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or journaling.
Establish predictable routines: Structure and consistency give a sense of security to children with anxiety. Create regular schedules for meals, bedtime, and activities.
Encourage healthy lifestyle habits: Promote regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and a balanced diet to support overall well-being.
Practice gradual exposure: Gradually expose your child to anxiety-triggering situations, starting with manageable steps, to help them build resilience and confidence.
The role of a psychologist
A psychologist is trained to assess and treat anxiety disorders in children. They can provide specialised support through:
Comprehensive assessment: A psychologist can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the anxiety and identify any underlying factors contributing to it.
Evidence-based interventions: A psychologist utilises evidence-based therapies tailored to your child's needs, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or play therapy, to address anxiety symptoms effectively.
Skill-building: A psychologist can teach your child valuable coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving strategies, to manage anxiety effectively.
Parental guidance: A psychologist works with you as well, offering you guidance on how to support your child's emotional well-being, implement effective strategies at home, and address any parenting challenges related to anxiety.