Written by: Habeebah Abdus-Salaam, LSW, CSSW
Anxiety in children is more than just occasional worry. It can significantly affect their emotional well-being, relationships, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding how anxiety manifests in children—and how therapy for children in South Jersey can help—empowers parents, caregivers, and educators to support young people navigating these challenges.
What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children?
Anxiety in children may not always appear in the ways adults typically expect. Instead, it often emerges through behaviors, physical symptoms, and emotional struggles that can be misinterpreted or dismissed. Here are some common ways anxiety shows up in children:
1. Excessive Worry or Fear
Children with anxiety may constantly worry about events or situations, such as school performance, safety, family issues, or social interactions. Their fears often go beyond what is developmentally typical and may be difficult to soothe.
2. Avoidance Behaviors
Avoidance is a hallmark of anxiety. A child might refuse to attend school, avoid social situations, or become excessively clingy when separated from their caregiver. While avoidance provides short-term relief, it can reinforce anxiety over time.
3. Physical Symptoms
Anxiety often manifests physically in children. Common symptoms include stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trouble sleeping. These physical complaints are real and can lead to frequent visits to the doctor without a clear medical diagnosis.
4. Difficulty Concentrating
Anxiety can make it hard for children to focus on schoolwork or other tasks. This lack of concentration may be mistaken for inattention or a learning difficulty, rather than a sign of underlying anxiety.
5. Mood Swings or Irritability
Children may express their anxiety through frustration or anger, especially if they feel overwhelmed and cannot articulate their worries. Outbursts or defiance can sometimes be their way of coping with internal distress.
6. Perfectionism
Some children with anxiety strive for perfection, fearing failure or criticism. This can lead to procrastination, overpreparation, or an unwillingness to try new things due to fear of making mistakes.
7. Regression in Behavior
Younger children may regress to earlier developmental stages when anxious, such as bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or needing constant reassurance.
8. Social Withdrawal
Anxiety can cause children to withdraw from friends or activities they once enjoyed. They might fear judgment or embarrassment, leading to isolation.
Recognizing these signs is crucial for early intervention. Left unaddressed, childhood anxiety can progress into adolescence and adulthood, impacting long-term mental health.
How Therapy For Children Can Help
Therapy is a highly effective approach to treating anxiety in children. It provides a safe space for children to explore their feelings, learn coping strategies, and build resilience. Here are some ways therapy can help:
1. Understanding Anxiety
A therapist helps children and their families understand what anxiety is, how it affects the brain and body, and why it happens. Normalizing anxiety can reduce shame and empower children to face their fears.
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety in children. It helps children identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more realistic ones. For example, a child who fears failing a test might learn to reframe their thinking from “I’ll never pass” to “I’ll do my best, and that’s okay.”
3. Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy gradually and safely exposes children to their fears in controlled environments. For instance, a child afraid of dogs might first look at pictures of dogs, then visit a park with a dog on a leash, eventually working up to petting one.
4. Relaxation Techniques
Therapists teach children strategies to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization exercises. These tools can help children calm their bodies and minds during stressful situations.
5. Play Therapy
For younger children, play therapy provides an age-appropriate way to express feelings and work through anxiety. Toys, games, and art can serve as mediums for children to communicate what they may struggle to put into words.
6. Parent Involvement
Parents play a critical role in managing childhood anxiety. Family therapy or parent coaching equips caregivers with strategies to support their child, such as validating feelings, encouraging bravery, and avoiding over-accommodation of anxious behaviors.
7. Building Emotional Regulation Skills
Therapy helps children recognize and manage their emotions, empowering them to respond to anxiety-provoking situations in healthier ways.
8. Developing Coping Skills
Over time, children learn practical coping strategies that they can use in daily life, such as problem-solving, mindfulness, and self-soothing techniques.
The Role of Early Intervention
Addressing anxiety early in childhood is crucial. When children receive timely support, they are less likely to develop more severe mental health issues later in life. Therapy helps them build a strong foundation of skills to face future challenges with confidence.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Support
While therapy is an excellent resource, parents and caregivers play a key role in supporting children with anxiety. Here’s how:
1. Validate Their Feelings
Let children know it’s okay to feel anxious. Avoid dismissing their worries; instead, listen and reassure them.
2. Model Healthy Coping
Demonstrate how to handle stress effectively. Children learn by observing adult behavior, so practicing calmness, problem-solving, and self-care can set a positive example.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Establish routines, maintain open communication, and provide a safe space where children feel comfortable sharing their feelings.
4. Encourage Gradual Exposure
Help children face their fears in small, manageable steps rather than avoiding them entirely. Celebrate their bravery along the way.
5. Limit Over-Scheduling
Ensure children have downtime to relax and recharge. Overloaded schedules can exacerbate anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Childhood anxiety is challenging but manageable. By recognizing the signs early, seeking therapy, and fostering a supportive environment, children can develop the tools they need to navigate their worries and thrive. Therapy for children at DBT of South Jersey offers a roadmap to help children understand their feelings, build resilience, and embrace their full potential.
If you suspect your child may be experiencing anxiety, the child therapists of DBT of South Jersey are prepared to support you at every step of the way. With the right interventions and support, children can overcome anxiety and lead happier, healthier lives.
Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety With Therapy For Children in South Jersey
If your child is struggling with anxiety, compassionate support is available through therapy for children in South Jersey. At DBT of South Jersey, our experienced therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children develop coping skills and build confidence. Contact us today to learn how we can support your child on their path to emotional well-being. Follow these three simple steps to get started:
- Contact us to book a free consultation with our intake team
- Meet with one of our skilled child and teen therapists
- Start helping your child overcome anxiety!
Other Services Offered by DBT of South Jersey
At DBT of South Jersey, we’re dedicated to supporting your child or teen in building the skills they need to succeed through specialized therapy for children and teens at our Voorhees and Moorestown offices. We also understand that families may seek additional support, which is why we offer a range of other services. These include trauma therapy, OCD treatment, couples and family therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, and holistic options like one-on-one Reiki. To learn more about therapy for children and teens, visit our blog!
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/anxiety-in-children
http://childmind.org/article/behavioral-treatment-kids-anxiety/
