Anxiety symptoms to look out for in kids & teens
As adults we are able to recognise feelings and emotions that we have had before. We have a frame of reference for them. We know that when we have had these feelings in the past they did go away and everything was ok.
Kids and teens don’t have that same experience to draw on. They may not have the words to explain how they are feeling or know that other people feel that way too.
They may feel that something is ‘wrong’ with them and want to hide that. Kids and Teens are more likely to show their anxiety through behaviour, emotions or through physical symptoms.
Here's what to look out for...
Behaviours
Your child may be more irritable, have anger outbursts or seem restless. They may not want to do the activities that they normally would or ones where there are more demands on them socially. They may show signs of wanting to be in control of things- wanting to do things perfectly or not being willing to try something new or different. View these behaviours as a way of communicating that they are feeling out of sorts.
Emotions
If your child is one who expresses emotions more easily, you may find they express worry about the future (upcoming events, safety, school performance etc). They may express negative thoughts about themselves or their abilities (low self esteem) or may seem to be ‘overly dramatic’ feeling as if everything is the worst it could possibly be (catastrophic thinking).
Physical symptoms
Your child may show physical symptoms of their anxiety. The most common ones are headaches, tummy aches and feeling sick. These are real feelings. Anxiety may also start to affect their daily routines- sleeping or eating being different to what is normal for them.
When to worry (red flags)
Anxiety at times is something we all feel and is normal. We all feel anxious when there are big life changes such as new school, new house, changes in family relationships. Once changing hormones are thrown in too it is a really common way for kids and teens to feel.
The time to worry is if it starts to interfere with daily life- school, friendships etc. If it is more than just a passing phase or if your child expresses low mood, feelings of self harm or panic attacks then further help is needed.
What can parents do?
Keeping a diary can be really helpful to pinpoint when symptoms are coming on and how that might relate to lifestyle factors or activities
Try to identify any triggers, sometimes it is a build up of small things rather than anything big.
Offer them someone to talk to. If not you then a friend or there are some online platforms designed to help teens with these kinds of symptoms ie Kooth.
Whatever the cause, looking at lifestyle will always help. Sleeping, eating well, getting moving, being outside and fun activities all help with how we are feeling.
For some supplement support, Check out The Zen One on the Chirpy website, a blend of L-theanine, lavender, and chamomile, powerhouse ingredients that support calm, bouncebackability and focus by boosting GABA and regulating glutamate (the neurotransmitters for relaxation).
If you are worried about your child, trust your gut feeling as a parent. Seek advice from a professional such as your GP or school nurse.
Remember, we all feel anxious at times.
Look out for the behaviours, emotions and physical symptoms above to recognise it early in your child and get on top of it.
Simple lifestyle changes will have a huge impact, control the things which are in your control.
