Anxiety is a common response to situations and events and a certain level of anxiety is expected if we are living a full life. Sometimes though anxiety can become overwhelming and interfere with daily lives. Parents or caregivers often notice the signs of anxiety in children and teenagers but don’t always attribute these to anxiety and often the child or teenager might not recognise the connection themselves. This post will outline some of the common signs in young people that they are experiencing overwhelming anxiety and how parents and caregivers can help to support them with their mental health.
Recognising signs of anxiety
Anxiety can present differently in children and teenagers compared to adults, here are some of the common signs to look out for:
Physical signs Anxiety can manifest physically; young people can experience headaches and stomach aches; they might describe feeling nervous or appear agitated. Obviously with any physical signs it is also important to rule out anything medical by seeing your GP.
Excessive worrying You might notice that a young person is worrying about social situations, school or upcoming events, if this worry seems disproportionate to the situation, this may be a sign of anxiety.
Changes in sleep or appetite Anxiety can affect sleep patterns, difficulty getting to sleep, night terrors and restless sleep can all be signs of anxiety. A change in eating habits or sudden weight loss or gain might also be signs that a young person is struggling.
Avoidance behaviour A child or teenager might start avoiding activities, this can be particularly concerning if they are activities that they have enjoyed in the past.
Irritability Increased irritability and mood swings can be a sign of underlying anxiety, this may manifest in anger or emotional outbursts.
Regression A child or teenager might seek comfort in ways that parents or caregivers have not seen in a while, this might be a sign that a young person is experiencing overwhelming anxiety.
Causes of anxiety
Understanding what contributes to a young person’s anxiety can help in addressing it. Some common causes are:
External factors and life changes School, moving house, parental divorce, academic and other external pressures can all trigger anxiety in children.
Relationships Friendship issues and social dynamics can significantly impact a young person’s mental health.
Social media Social media can contribute to unrealistic expectations, social comparisons and the need for validation in teenagers, which can have a negative impact on their well-being.
Genetics Anxiety can run in families. A child may be more susceptible to experiencing anxiety if their parents or siblings have also experienced it.
Trauma Experiences such as bullying, abuse or witnessing a traumatic event can cause anxiety in young people.
Strategies for support
If you think that your child might be experiencing anxiety, here are some strategies that can help them to cope.
Open communication. Encourage your child to talk about what they are experiencing, let them know its ok to talk about their worries. Some young people prefer to write things down or draw them and share them with a parent.
Normalize anxiety Help your child to understand that some level of anxiety is normal, you might share some of your own experiences.
Teach coping skills Teaching a young person techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help them to manage the uncomfortable physical signs of anxiety.
Seek professional help If anxiety persists particularly if it is interfering with daily life think about reaching out to a mental health professional.
Limit screen time Encouraging offline activities and hobbies and monitoring your child’s social media consumption can help with anxiety.
Promote physical activity Spending time outside and regular exercise can help to reduce anxiety levels.
Anxiety is a serious issue and can be upsetting to see in your child. By recognising the signs, addressing the underlying causes and implementing effective strategies, you can help your child navigate their anxiety.
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