Anxiety is upsetting for adults dealing with it, so one can surmise how much more intense it can be for children. At this age, children are still learning their way through the world and developing how they respond to external triggers.
It’s at this point that parents or any guardians need to step in and help children manage their emotions and reactions. While feelings of anxiousness are a natural part of life, this is highly dependent on the situation. It can develop into something deeper and turn into a chronic issue that negatively affects the child’s lifestyle and well-being.
It’s important to know the difference between “regular anxiety” and an anxiety disorder so you can seek out proper counseling services. Here, we differentiate the two and break down healthy ways to manage both.
What’s The Difference?
Anxiety happens to everybody at some point in their lives. Whether it’s about a mistake or a big event coming up, the feeling of anxiousness is natural and can be dealt with at the moment.
An anxiety disorder presents itself more severely and has a tendency to affect the individual more often. Unlike normal anxiety, your child will experience bouts more frequently and even chronically. On top of that, it will result in coping mechanisms like avoidance and ticks.
You should note that anxiety disorders can develop as a combination of both nature and nurture. Some genetics play a part in their tendencies, but what they see around them will be the clincher.
Signs of an Anxiety Disorder in Children
There are different types of anxiety disorders that your child can experience. Detecting the signs can help you pinpoint which one your child is experiencing.
What general symptoms manifest will depend on their age. Very young children may start doing tantrums, self-soothing, and regressing to bedwetting and excessive clinginess.
They may develop obsessive habits such as asking for validation or following a strictly regimented routine.
A heightened awareness over every risk and change around them may happen. In turn, they may also become more reclusive.
If your child gets panic attacks, they may have a panic disorder. This can also be triggered by severe phobias and hyperfixations.
Separation anxiety can be so severe that they can’t handle not having their parental figures or certain attachments around them. Not wanting to sleep alone can be a sign of this, too.
They may worry too much over everything and feel self-conscious to a point where they feel like people dislike them or judge their every move.
They may develop compulsions that they believe are necessary to keep everything safe and in order. Watch for any rituals that they tie to their moods and how it affects their daily routine.
Tips to Manage Childhood Anxiety
Make sure you have open communication in your household, so your child feels safe to reach out. Talk to them from a place of care and support, so they don’t feel like they are being reprimanded for their behavior.
Maintain healthy habits that can help your child emulate better behaviors as they grow up.
Seek out counseling services to assess your child’s condition and set a therapeutic routine to manage their symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety is not something that should be ignored, especially during a child’s crucial developmental stages. Thankfully, there are ways to manage and help children grow and develop healthy behaviors. The important thing to do is support your child and make sure you catch the signs so you can help them.
For any individual in need of online counseling services, Hope Seed Support Center provides counseling, nutritional therapy, community support, and other services for any age. Feel free to reach out so we can help.
