Anxiety in kids: What are the signs and when should parents be concerned?

As much as adults are capable of being anxious, children are as likely to be worried or stressed about certain situations. They may be more vocal about their anxiety than adults, but may fail to express the intensity of the worry, which is why parents must be more attentive and responsive towards their kids.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7 percent of kids aged between 3 to 17 have at least one type of anxiety disorder. Having said that, if your child has been complaining about something constantly, or is showing signs of worry, which is affecting their overall wellbeing, then they probably need your help and support.

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The UK's National Health Services (NHS) believes children can get anxious for several reasons.

"From the age of around 6 months to 3 years it's very common for young children to have separation anxiety. They may become clingy and cry when separated from their parents or carers. This is a normal stage in a child's development and should stop at around age 2 to 3," the health body says.

"It's also common for preschool-age children to develop specific fears or phobias. Common fears in early childhood include animals, insects, storms, heights, water, blood, and the dark. These fears usually go away gradually on their own," they add.

Additionally, experiencing loss, serious illness and death of a loved one can trigger anxiety in kids. Being raised in a family where others are fearful or anxious can also make a child as anxious and worried.

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Anxiety may appear different in younger and older kids. The NHS lists down certain signs to watch out in both these age groups.

Signs of anxiety in young children include:

- Irritability and extreme mood swings including being tearful and clingy

- Staying awake at night

- Sleep problems

- Bedwetting

- Having nightmares

Signs of anxiety in older kids include:

- Difficulty in concentrating

- Sleep and eating problems

- Lack of confidence in exploring new things

- Inability to overcome everyday challenges

- Angry outbursts

- Being overwhelmed with negative thoughts

- Avoiding social interactions and activities

There are different types of anxiety disorders in kids. These include:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This type of anxiety disorder is associated with persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worries, which are not related to any specific situation object.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder is the excessive fear of being humiliated, rejected or embarrassed in front of other people.

Selective Mutism: Children who have selective mutism are very open and vocal among their parents and loved ones, however, feel anxious in the presence of strangers and other people.

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Kids with separation anxiety disorder deal with excessive fear of being separated from home or their loved ones.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Children suffering with OCD are bound by intense fears that compel them to engage in repetitive actions. They also have an obsession with intrusive, unwanted thoughts.

Anxiety cannot be eliminated entirely. Instead parents must focus on helping kids manage it efficiently.

That said, help your child identify the stressors that trigger their anxiety and help them overcome it. Do not avoid things just because you don't want your child to feel uneasy or anxious. Make them face the challenges and help them get over it.

Additionally, do not expose your child to unrealistic expectations. However, make them make positive expectations.

In severe cases, if your child suffers from anxiety disorders, therapy can be helpful. Know that taking professional help does not undermine your capabilities as a parent.