What makes kids anxious

Anyone can be affected by an anxiety disorder when worries become so intense that they interfere with daily functioning and cause distress. All kids experience anxiety. Certain fears and worries are typical for specific age groups. For example, young children are often afraid of loud noises, strangers, the dark, and imaginary figures.

Most of these fears will disappear as the child gets older. Seeking help for your child at the first sign of excessive worrying will help to keep worries from growing so big that they are likely to develop into an anxiety disorder.

Some other tips include:. With proper treatment, the majority of children diagnosed with an anxiety disorder experience a reduction or elimination of symptoms within several months.

For Patients. What causes anxiety disorders? As well as talking to your child about their worries and anxiety, it's important to help them find solutions. For example, if your child is worried about going to a sleepover, it is natural to want to tell them not to go. However, this could mean your child feels that their anxiety will stop them from doing things. It's better to recognise their anxiety and suggest solutions to help them, so they can go to the sleepover with a plan in place.

If your child's anxiety is severe, persists, and interferes with their everyday life, it's a good idea to get some help. A visit to a GP is a good place to start. If your child's anxiety is affecting their school life, it's a good idea to talk to their school as well. Parents and carers can get help and advice about children's mental health from Young Minds' free parent helpline on , from Monday to Friday, 9.

Find out more about treatments on our page about anxiety disorders in children. Page last reviewed: 13 December Next review due: 13 December Home Mental health Mental health for children, teenagers and young adults Advice for parents Back to Advice for parents. Anxiety in children. Just like adults, children and young people feel worried and anxious at times. But if your child's anxiety is starting to affect their wellbeing, they may need some help.

What makes children anxious? When is anxiety a problem for children? Anxiety becomes a problem for children when it starts to get in the way of their everyday life. What are the signs of anxiety in children? So just try to shorten that period to a minimum.

So we talk about that. Or he would wait with me. For some kids, having a plan can reduce the uncertainty in a healthy, effective way.

There are multiple ways you can help kids handle anxiety by letting them see how you cope with anxiety yourself. Get this as a PDF. Enter email to download and get news and resources in your inbox. Share this on social. Family Resource Center Anxiety. How can kids learn to tolerate anxiety? How can parents help kids stay calm in stressful situations?

Quick Read. Full Article. Express positive — but realistic — expectations. Encourage the child to tolerate her anxiety. Try to keep the anticipatory period short.