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Anxiety / Stress
Anxiety / Stress
Anxiety / Stress
It's not unusual for kids, even very young ones, to sometimes feel anxious. But like adults, when stress or anxiety begins to interfere with everyday life, it's most likely time to seek help.
Physical Signs of Anxiety
- Headaches or stomach aches, even though there's no medical reason for them
- Refuses to eat snacks or lunch at daycare or school
- Won't use bathrooms except at home
- Is restless, fidgety, hyperactive, or distracted (even without having ADHD)
- Starts to shake or sweat profusely in threatening situations
- Constantly tenses the muscles
- Has difficulty falling or staying asleep
Emotional Signs of Anxiety
- Cries often
- Is highly sensitive
- Becomes grouchy or angry without reason
- Fear of making even minor mistakes
- Has panic attacks (or is afraid of having panic attacks)
- Worries about things that are in the distant future, like worrying about starting middle school in third grade
- Is worried or afraid during drop-offs (at daycare, school, relatives' homes, etc.)
- Has frequent nightmares about losing a parent or loved one
Behavioral Signs of Anxiety
- Constantly asks, "what if?" ("What if an earthquake happened?")
- Avoids class activities like circle time
- Remains silent or preoccupied when expected to work with others
- Refusal to go to school
- Stays inside the classroom alone at lunch or recess
- Avoids social situations with other kids, like birthday parties or extracurricular activities
- Constantly seeks approval from parents, caregivers, teachers, and friends
- Says, "I can't do it!" without any real reason
- Has meltdowns or tantrums
Turn to A Brighter Tomorrow Wellness Center to learn more about how this issue can be treated.
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