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Even children can be anxious in their everyday lives. Most are tasked to learn new skills, meet challenges, explore the world and overcome their fears in a world they can’t fully comprehend yet. There are times when some stressors are too much for them to handle and even the parent or adult cannot provide enough comfort. Parents often feel helpless when they see their child experiencing extreme fear or concern. In these cases, the child may have developed a diagnosable anxiety disorder. Yes, even kids are noexception to anxiety disorders.
Not treating their anxiety can leave the child at risk of low school performance, poor social skills and even develop harmful substance abuse. Get help for your child from professionals, such as Colleen Hurll Counselling, to help alleviate their anxiety and prevent these negative effects from occurring if you want to know more about the common types of anxiety disorders that can affect children then on reading down below.
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
Although separation anxiety is perfectly normal for children between 1 – 3 years old, when children four years and above become excessively afraid of being away from their caregivers then it is not normal anymore. Children with this disorder tend to worry about their mother or father being separated from them and even dying. They would have nightmares and experience headaches and nausea.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A child may have a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder if they experience excessively worry or anxiety. Having this disorder will result in irritability, inability to concentrate, weariness and sleep disturbances. If left untreated, it can affect daily tasks such as performing well in school, socializing with other people and other everyday activities. Having a reliable professional to help you, such as Colleen Hurll’s anxiety counselling services, can make your child’s disorder diminish and eventually disappear.
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Children with this disorder will attempt to avoid social situations at all costs. Some may exhibit fear by throwing tantrums, clinging to adults, crying and refusing to speak. They might have a hard time participating in class and interacting with their peers.
- Specific Phobia
A phobia is a fear of something that lasts for a long time and is out of proportion to the actual danger posed. Some children may have extreme anxiety or fear of an object, situation or place that can be classified as a phobia. They will tend to cry, cling to an adult or freeze up when that fear is near them.
- Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is a disorder that makes a person or a child refuse to speak in certain social events or situations despite being talkative in their homes. Children, who are mostly at the age of 5, are often diagnosed with this disorder. Some of the symptoms include refusal to speak at school and withdrawing from other people to avoid eye contact or socializing.
Final Word
It is always best to consult experts about your child’s anxiety so they can give you proper guidance towards what steps to take and conduct an assessment of the situation. Anxiety disorders may be treated using various techniques such as talk therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy, and medication.
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