The transition from childhood to adolescence brings excitement and challenges—new schools, evolving friendships, and a growing need for independence. However, for some children, these changes can lead to increased anxiety, affecting their emotional well-being, academic performance, and social relationships.
While occasional worry is normal, persistent anxiety can interfere with daily life. Understanding the signs of anxiety and knowing how to support an anxious child is crucial for their mental health and development.
It’s natural for children to experience occasional worry, especially during life changes like starting school or making new friends. However, anxiety may be a concern if it becomes persistent, affects their ability to participate in daily activities, or causes ongoing physical symptoms like stomach aches, headaches, or sleep disturbances. If your child avoids social situations, school, or things they once enjoyed, it may be time to seek professional guidance to determine whether support or intervention is needed.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?
Anxiety is the body’s fight-or-flight response to perceived danger. While it is a natural reaction, excessive anxiety can be overwhelming.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Children
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anxiety disorders affect approximately 9.4% of children aged 3-17 (CDC, 2023). Symptoms may include:
1. Physical Symptoms
- Racing heart or difficulty breathing
- Sweating or trembling
- Stomach discomfort or “butterflies”
- Restlessness or trouble sleeping
2. Emotional Symptoms
- Excessive worrying about school, friendships, or personal performance
- Difficulty concentrating or constant feelings of dread
- Intense fear of social situations (social anxiety)
3. Behavioural Symptoms
- Avoiding activities, such as social events or speaking in class
- School refusal due to fear of failure or embarrassment
- Seeking constant reassurance from parents and teachers
Why Does Anxiety Increase in Adolescence?
During adolescence, peer relationships become more significant, and social pressures intensify. Research from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that social anxiety often peaks in the teenage years due to increased self-awareness and fear of judgment (NIMH, 2022).
Common anxiety triggers for adolescents include:
✔ Academic pressure (fear of failure, perfectionism)
✔ Social comparison (increased use of social media, peer judgment)
✔ Fear of rejection (avoiding new experiences, fear of making mistakes)
For some teenagers, untreated anxiety can lead to low self-esteem, withdrawal from social activities, and an increased risk of developing depression later in life (Beyond Blue, 2023).
How to Support an Anxious Child
As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child manage anxiety. Here are some practical steps:
1. Open Conversations About Anxiety
Encourage your child to talk about their fears without judgment. Reassure them that anxiety is normal and that they are not alone.
✔ Tip: Use books or online resources like Raising Children Network (Raising Children, 2024) to help them understand their emotions.
2. Teach Relaxation Techniques
Introduce your child to coping strategies such as:
- Deep breathing exercises (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds)
- Progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and relaxing muscles to relieve tension)
- Mindfulness and meditation apps, such as Smiling Mind (Smiling Mind, 2023)
3. Gradual Exposure to Anxiety Triggers
Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations reinforces fear. Instead, support your child in facing their worries step by step to help build resilience.
✔ Example: If your child is afraid of public speaking, encourage small challenges, like reading aloud at home before presenting in class.
4. Seek Professional Support
If anxiety significantly impacts your child’s daily life, professional help can be beneficial.
✔ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proven method for reducing anxiety by challenging negative thought patterns (American Psychological Association, 2023).
✔ Play Therapy is an effective counselling approach for younger children, helping them express their emotions in a safe, interactive way (Australian Psychological Society, 2023).
At Vision Counselling, we offer counselling services for children and adolescents, including Play Therapy and anxiety treatment.
When Should You Seek Help?
If your child’s anxiety is persistent, distressing, or interfering with their daily life, seeking professional support is highly recommended.
🚨 Signs your child may need professional support:
✅ Ongoing school refusal or frequent physical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches)
✅ Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or hobbies
✅ Extreme distress over everyday situations
Support for Child Anxiety: Next Steps
If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, our team at Vision Counselling can provide professional support. We offer:
✔ Child & Adolescent Counselling
✔ Play Therapy for Younger Children
✔ Support for Parents & Families
📞 Contact Vision Counselling today to find out how we can help your child manage anxiety and build confidence.
References & External Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Children’s Mental Health.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2022). Anxiety Disorders.
- Beyond Blue. (2023). Understanding Anxiety in Children & Teens.
- Raising Children Network. (2024). Anxiety in Children & Teens.
- Smiling Mind. (2023). Mindfulness for Kids.
- Australian Psychological Society. (2023). Play Therapy & Child Psychology.
- American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
