Is My Child Anxious? Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety in Children and When to Seek Help

By: Dr. Lana Mahgoub, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Anxiety is something many children and teens deal with as they navigate life’s ups and downs and encounter new situations, such as forming friendships, exploring new hobbies, attending school, and juggling family responsibilities. It’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious from time to time, but when those worries become intense or last too long, they can really impact a child’s well-being and daily life. As a parent, caregiver, or educator, it’s important to spot the signs of anxiety early and know when to reach out for professional help to support your child’s mental health.

Common Signs of Anxiety in Children and Teens

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, depending on a child’s age, personality, and unique circumstances. Here are some key signs to keep an eye on, covering physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects:

Physical Symptoms

Children and teens can sometimes express anxiety through physical complaints, especially when they may have difficulty describing their emotions. This can make it harder to recognize. Common physical signs include:

• Frequent headaches or stomachaches without any medical explanation

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep (or oversleeping)

• Restlessness or fatigue, despite getting enough sleep

• Muscle tension or aches and pains

  
  

Emotional and  Behavioral Signs

You may also notice these emotional and behavioral signs: 

• Increased irritability, frustration, or anger

• Crying more than usual or overreacting to minor problems

• Avoiding activities or situations they once enjoyed or participated in comfortably

• Withdrawing from friends and family 

• Refusing to leave the home for outings

• Constant worrying about school performance, friendships, or family dynamics

• Difficulty concentrating or focusing

• Constantly looking for confirmation (e.g., frequently asking if everything will turn out ok) 

• Hesitation to go to school, join extracurricular activities, or participate in class

• Fears in social interaction or being in large crowds

• An excessive need for perfection (e.g., repeating tasks until they are “just right”)

  
  

When to Seek Professional Help for Anxiety

If your child’s anxiety becomes persistent, begins to interfere with doing daily life activities, or seems to be worsening, it may be time to seek out some professional support from a mental health professional. In particular, look out for the following: 

• Your child is avoiding school, social situations, or other activities they previously enjoyed

• Trouble eating or sleeping due to their worries

• Experiencing panic attacks (e.g., sudden intense fear, racing heart, shortness of breath)

• Showing signs of obsessive or compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive actions or thoughts that feel impossible to control

• Struggling to concentrate or focus, leading to academic decline

• Frequently expressing feelings of fear or helplessness

• You, as a parent, feel unsure how to help your child cope with their anxiety

  
  

How a Mental Health Professional Can Help

If any of these signs seem familiar, caregivers are recommended to seek professional help from a child therapist or psychologist. A child psychologist can help identify what may be driving your child’s anxiety and teach tools for managing it effectively. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective and evidence-based approaches used to treat anxiety and helps youth understand their anxious thoughts, build coping skills, and approach feared situations in a supportive way. 

Tip: Keep your child’s pediatrician informed about your child’s behavioral and emotional changes. They can often help in facilitating a referral to a mental health professional if needed.

Keep in mind, anxiety is often treatable and early intervention can make a long-lasting positive difference in a child’s mental health. 

For support, feel free to reach out to Unity Kids Behavioral Health.