Anxiety in Children: How You Can Help Them 

Whether you work in childcare or have children of your own, you should be aware of how anxiety can present itself in kids. Learn about the types of anxiety disorders, what to look out for and how you can help an anxious child flourish. If you don't live with anxiety, it will be hard to imagine the hardship that comes with daily life. Sadly, some people live in endless worry and stress. It is an unforgiving condition that can have a heavy impact on someone's entire life. Unfortunately, the cruel disorder can hit anyone, including children. The innocent tots often find themselves with hearts racing and are overcome with worry; even when they're standing still, surrounded by loved ones. What's more, there are several kinds of anxiety disorders that kids may regrettably face. Read on to learn about the different types, what signs there are to look out for, and how you can help.
  • Generalised anxiety disorder in children:
Just as it sounds, this is generalized anxiety where someone could become stressed about general life activities. A child could feel anxious about their future, school life, homework assignments, their loved ones... and the list goes on. And generalised anxiety doesn't end with dreading thoughts alone, there are also physical symptoms, from knotted stomachs to pounding headaches and fatigue. The burdening worries can overwhelm children, leading to days spent in bed rather than school, and they may avoid going out in general – even to fun events like going out to the park or their friend's house.
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  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
You will have heard of OCD. Many people think of they have OCD just because they're very tired or organised, but it's actually an anxiety disorder where the person feels compelled to do something otherwise they will have a feeling of dread and anxiety. It could take the form of an obsession or compulsive behaviour where they repeat certain tasks to feel better. Keep an eye out for such behaviour in children as OCD can progress to become more serious at a later point in life.
  • Phobias:
Whether it's of spiders, the dark, or something as bizarre as a pickle, people can fear anything. But there is a difference between being simply scared and a real phobia. A phobia is where the feelings are extremely intensified to the point where a person cannot stand being in a situation where they're facing their phobia. Essentially, it will cause their anxiety to go into overdrive and could lead to someone crying, screaming or running as fast as they can away from their fear.
  • Social anxiety:
How often have you seen a child awkwardly standing by themselves in the corner of a party? Some people may simply shrug and say they're just shy, but it can go deeper than that – they could have social anxiety. Children can feel anxious in social settings and such anxiety can be especially heightened if they had to give a presentation at school or deliver a speech at an event.
  • Panic attacks:
A panic attack could come out of nowhere (although it can also be caused by an uncomfortable situation). This kind of anxiety can lead to a child having breathing difficulties, chest pains, chills, sweat, a racing heartbeat, dizziness and intense fear.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (RQF)
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder:
You may associate PTSD with army veterans but anyone who has experienced something distressing can experience it, including children. If someone experiences something traumatic, a form of intense anxiety, known as PTSD, will greet itself with terrible symptoms such as powerful flashbacks, nightmares and feelings of dread and fear. It can be caused by various events that some children may tragically face. Here are some examples:
  • Growing up in a war zone
  • Car crashes
  • Death of family members
  • Kidnapping
  • Abuse
  • Sexual assault
  • Experiencing a natural disaster

Signs to look out for in a child

There is a difference between a shy child who is still coming to their own, and a child who has anxiety. However, many (but not all) children with anxiety are also shy. Here are some signs to look out for in a child:
  • Expressing a great amount of worry and doubt
  • Fatigue or unable to sleep well at night
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Bad temper
  • Physical signs (as stated above, such as – stomach pain, headaches, dizziness, so on)
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How you can help an anxious child

If you feel you know a child with anxiety, be there for them.
  • Communication is key - talk to the child and let them know it's not a weakness and they shouldn't feel alone in their dread. Let them know that it is not a weakness, just the way some people are, and there's nothing wrong with that. Ask them to explain exactly how they feel.
  • Play with them - Remember that a child with anxiety is still a child - they want nothing more than to have fun, to laugh and play games. Encourage the child to play and enjoy life rather than remaining too serious. Playing and socialising will help them flourish and hopefully overcome their anxiety.
  • Be patient - Regardless of what kind of anxiety they have, it may be difficult for the carer as well as the child. The tot could become very frustrated so it's important that you're patient with them and don't get mad at them for the way they may act as a result of their anxiety. Instead, be understanding and try and help them overcome or find a way to successfully deal with it.
  • Consider taking them to a professional - You could take them (or advise their parents to take them if you're a carer) to a counsellor therapist or doctor. A professional will be able to properly diagnose the child and make the relevant suggestions for them going forward, tailored for their own case.

Interested in a career in childcare?

If you are interested in a career in childcare, then The Learning Station can help. We're a London-based training provider that delivers accredited childcare qualifications through online distance learning. Our courses are flexible so that you can learn at your own pace and in your own time. For more information, please do get in touch by visiting our contact us page or calling directly on 020 8342 7210.
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