What Are The Types of Child Anxiety?
There are several types of anxiety disorders that can affect children:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Separation anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Social phobia (social anxiety disorder)
- Specific phobia
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety?
The signs and symptoms of child anxiety come from a child’s “fight or flight” response to what their body perceives as danger even when there is no real danger. Some symptoms include:
- Acting “clingy”
- Not wanting to go to school
- Getting angry easily
- Shaky
- Jittery
- Short of breath or racing heart
- Upset stomach
Parents or teachers may notice some of these symptoms. Other symptoms, like feeling nervous or worried, only the child may feel.
What Should I Do If My Child Has Anxiety?
If you think your child has anxiety, meeting with a child counselor or play therapist may be very beneficial—to you both. Some children may be hesitant about talking to a therapist or coming in to therapy all together. This is to be expected. However, helping your child better understand the process and the many benefits of talking with a counselor can definitely help.