Glossary
What is anxiety in children?
Also called: childhood anxiety, child anxiety, anxious child, generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks in children
Definition
Anxiety in children is a feeling of fear or worry that becomes a problem when it is stronger, lasts longer or happens more often than a situation calls for, and starts getting in the way of everyday life.
What it means
All children feel anxious sometimes, and some worry is healthy and protective. It becomes a concern when it stops a child doing things other children their age manage, or when it takes up a lot of their time and energy.
Anxiety comes in different forms. Separation anxiety is fear of being apart from a parent. Generalised anxiety means worrying about many things. Social anxiety centres on fear of being judged. Specific phobias are about particular things such as dogs or vomiting. Panic attacks are sudden waves of intense fear with physical symptoms. Anxiety often sits alongside autism or ADHD, and in those children it can look different and be missed.
What it can look like for your child
Stomach aches, headaches, trouble sleeping or bad dreams. Constant questions like “what if”, needing reassurance over and over, or needing to know the plan in detail. Clinginess, avoiding parties, refusing to try new things, perfectionism, irritability or anger. Some anxious children look calm on the outside and shut down quietly.
How counselling can help
Counselling helps children understand what anxiety is doing in their bodies and minds, and gives them ways to cope that they practise until they can use them without thinking. Younger children often work through play; older children may use more talking and ideas from cognitive behavioural therapy, such as noticing worry thoughts and testing them. We also help parents respond in ways that support bravery without forcing it. If anxiety is severe, we will discuss whether your GP or CAMHS should also be involved.