Checklist for Parents: How to Tell if Your Child is Suffering From Anxiety
Whether anxiety runs in your family or you're simply concerned for the well-being of your child, it's important to know what to look for if you suspect an anxiety disorder. The fact of the matter is that one-third of children will undergo a change in the family structure before they turn 18, which could lead to anxiety or depression. If you want to know what to look for, keep reading.
The Checklist
While you should never attempt to give your child an official diagnosis, these signs and symptoms could help you determine whether or not you need to look into therapy resources or types of child therapy products. Some common indicators of anxiety in children include:
Children with GAD tend to worry excessively about a number of issues affecting their daily lives. Common issues include grades, family issues, social standing among peers, and performance in group settings. Child play therapy often utilizes tools such as sand tray miniatures and different types of therapy games to help children with this kind of anxiety.
Panic Disorder
If a child suffers two or more unexpected anxiety or panic attacks, it's likely that a diagnosis of panic disorder will be given. Child play therapy will utilize similar tools, such as sand tray miniatures, to help children learn about the feelings they're having as well as how to process them.
Recognizing anxiety is the first step in helping your child live without fear of their disorder. if you recognize any of these signs, don't hesitate to contact a child therapist near you.
The Checklist
While you should never attempt to give your child an official diagnosis, these signs and symptoms could help you determine whether or not you need to look into therapy resources or types of child therapy products. Some common indicators of anxiety in children include:
- Pessimism and a mindset of worst case scenarios
- Constant worrying over things that might happen
- Over-exaggerating negative events or emotions
- Avoidance behaviors such as refusing to go certain places
- Sleeping issues such as nightmares or night terrors
- Attention-seeking or separation anxiety
- Withdrawing from family activities and interaction
- Poor memory and concentration
These are just a few of the signs that may indicate further diagnosis is needed. Make sure you're staying vigilant and actively looking into therapy tools for your child if you notice any of these behaviors.
Additional Resources
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), childhood anxiety can come in several forms. In this post, we'll be focusing on two: generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
Children with GAD tend to worry excessively about a number of issues affecting their daily lives. Common issues include grades, family issues, social standing among peers, and performance in group settings. Child play therapy often utilizes tools such as sand tray miniatures and different types of therapy games to help children with this kind of anxiety.
Panic Disorder
If a child suffers two or more unexpected anxiety or panic attacks, it's likely that a diagnosis of panic disorder will be given. Child play therapy will utilize similar tools, such as sand tray miniatures, to help children learn about the feelings they're having as well as how to process them.
Recognizing anxiety is the first step in helping your child live without fear of their disorder. if you recognize any of these signs, don't hesitate to contact a child therapist near you.