Anxiety isn’t just a word for adults or teenagers anymore. Today, even toddlers and young children suffer from anxiety. But surprisingly, the signs often go unnoticed by parents.
According to the American Family Physician, a medical journal, anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric condition, affecting nearly 1 in 12 children.
Have you ever noticed situations like these?
1. Becoming extremely aggressive and unmanageable when any gadget or smartphone is taken away.
2. Toddlers crying excessively or getting scared of little things.
3. Struggling to sleep without their parents or waking up from nightmares.
4. Being overly attached all the time.
5. Getting angry over small things, throwing stuff around, or getting lost.
However, all these behaviours are common and often understood as typical childhood quirks, but they signal anxiety.
When such actions become habit or occur daily, they shouldn’t be ignored. Over time, untreated anxiety can develop into more serious health challenges. Recognizing these signs early is key to helping your child thrive mentally and emotionally.
In this blog, we’ll explore signs of anxiety in young children, how to identify it, and how to support your child through it with love and understanding.
What is Anxiety in Children?
Anxiety is a feeling of excessive and persistent fear, nervousness, or worry that interferes with daily activities or life. While it’s normal for kids to feel nervous about certain situations but anxiety becomes a concern when these feelings are intense and prolonged.
The signs of anxiety in young children can be varied depending on their age.
For example, in kids, anxiety often shows up through their behaviour. If a toddler struggles with anxiety, it might show in their behaviour, becoming clingy, always wanting to stay close to their parents. They might cry easily, get panicked by small things, or struggle to sleep alone.
On the other hand, signs of anxiety in younger kids and teens (5 to 17 years old) appear differently.
Instead of talking about what they feel, they might express it through their action, like trying to avoid school, acting like to have stomach pain or fever, staying silent, etc.
Sometimes, they worry too much about their parents’ safety or just seem emotionally low without saying anything. Parents often think it’s just a phase of growth, but these can be clear signs of anxiety that shouldn’t be ignored.
Can a Young Child Have Anxiety?
Yes, a young child can experience anxiety.
According to the National Library of Medicine, 1 out of every 8 children today has anxiety.
But do you know what causes this?
Events like frequently changing schools, being harassed at school, bullying, domestic violence, or having busy parents who do not give enough attention can lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.
You might be surprised to know that a report by the Children’s Legal Rights Journal claims that many children suffer from anxiety because of domestic violence at home.
In addition, A meta-analysis of 31 studies with 133,688 children and adolescents found that those who were bullied had a 2.77 times higher risk of depression than those not bullied.
However, anxiety can be managed.
Being parents, you just need to pay attention to a few simple things.
For example, talk to your child with love, avoid shouting, listen to them carefully, and try to spend quality time together.
Even small, comforting words like “You’re safe” or “We’re here with you” can make a big difference in how your child feels.
How do I know if my child has anxiety?
When an adult has anxiety, it’s easier to identify. But in kids, it’s a bit challenging to understand. Most of the time, when a child is upset or acts differently, parents assume it’s normal and just overlook it.
However, some signs may show that the child is going through anxiety. Understanding these signs can help parents to take early and defined action.
Signs of Anxiety in Toddlers and Preschoolers
1. Refusing to be away from parents.
2. Fear of sleeping alone, nightmares, or bedwetting.
3. Regressive behavior such as thumb-sucking, baby talk, or potty accidents.
4. Regular complaints of stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause.
5. Feeling hungry all the time or not feeling hungry at all.
6. Distance from school, play areas, or other physical activities.
These are the early signs of anxiety, which often go unnoticed or get misinterpreted as naughtiness among kids.
Signs of Anxiety in Children and Teens
As children grow older, they learn to mask their feelings, but still there are a few signs that can help parents recognize if their kids are really well or not.
1. Constant worry about school, performance, or safety
2. Avoiding meeting friends and indulging in social gatherings
3. Decline in academic performance
4. Fear of making mistakes or disappointing others
5. Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
6. Finding it tough to focus or concentrate
7. Getting annoyed over small things
8. Facing challenges in sleeping
9. Staying quiet
These signs show that your child is suffering from anxiety and shouldn’t be ignored.
Treating Anxiety in Young Children
Childhood anxiety is a common problem today. But if the signs of anxiety in young children are identified by parents in time, it can be managed effectively. Managing anxiety depends on its severity but often includes a combination of support, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
The very first step is expected to be the support of parents.
If you notice any signs of anxiety in your child, then being parents, its your responsibility to understand the possible reasons behind it. Try to spend more time with your child, understand them, listen to their worries, and deal with them without anger.
Children feel safer with routines; hence, maintain a calm and composed routine with consistent mealtimes, sleep schedules, and play times.
In addition, pause the excessive exposure of negative news, social media, or violent content that can worsen the situation.
But if they don’t get better and it looks like the anxiety is having an impact on your child’s future life, then you need to seek medical care.
Moreover, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most helpful treatments for anxiety, which teaches children to become aware of and replace the negative thoughts that make them anxious, showing them healthy ways to cope with their fears and worries
Conclusion
Anxiety in kids is a common problem nowadays. But if parents observe the signs of anxiety in young children in time, the anxiety can be managed easily.
If someone close to you is struggling with anxiety and you are wondering for a trustworthy psychologist in Jaipur, Dr. Sanjay Jain may be the best option.
With more than 12 years of experience, he has guided numerous families through such issues with care and professionalism.
