Anxiety in Children and Teens
Recently there has been a significant amount of research revealing a significant rise in both the frequency and intensity of anxiety in our children and teens. Additionally, I have seen a substantial increase in referrals for toddler, child and teen anxiety in my practice as have my colleagues with whom I collaborate.
While symptoms vary depending on the age of your child and the type of anxiety some behaviors and situations are provided here for your consideration.
- Has my child had trouble adjusting to school this year? (Remember separation anxiety to daycare and early childhood programs is normal but should disappear after a few days once you have left the premises.)
- Does my child seem to worry or appear afraid about “bad things” like getting hurt more than usual?
- Does my child appear fearful during normal daily activities, like playing outside.
- Is my child afraid of trying “new things” even when they show interest, like playing in an organized sport like soccer or gymnastics or in a new activity, like guitar lessons?
- Has my child had a change in there eating habits (both more or less)?
- Does my child complain of frequent stomach aches or headaches right before an activity and it typically does not occur when no activity is planned?
- Has my child been directly exposed to frightening experiences or accidently heard of bad things happening in the news or from an adult?
- Does my child tend to get “shaky” or say “my heart is pounding” or “I can’t breathe” when there is no known medical cause?
- Is my child “sticking to themselves” more than usual?
- Is my child having trouble sleeping?
- Is my child waking up with “bad dreams” more than once a week?
- Does my child seem overly afraid to go to school or afraid to leave being very close to me?
- Have teacher’s reported my child is having trouble paying attention or seems preoccupied?
- Does my child/teen seem to be upset or overly quiet after spending time on their electronic devices or apps?
- Does anxiety “run” in our family?
- Has our family been having a “tough time” lately?
If you have answered “Yes” to some of these questions, a consultation with your pediatrician, or a licensed child psychologist or licensed social worker/ therapist may be in order. A skilled licensed health care provider can calm your own anxiety about your child or provide you recommendations for appropriate treatment if it is warranted.
Please reach out if I can be of assistance.
Dr. M