Childhood Anxiety: when is it more than a normal worry?

Dr Nikki Twomey

These days our children have a lot to worry about. Animals, imaginary creatures, storms, parental separation, school concerns, illness, global issues like politics, COVID and worries about the future are among the common ones.  

Anxiety may be present when worry is affecting a child’s mental wellbeing. It is the most prevalent mental health illness in childhood today.

How can I decide if my child’s worrying is normal or something to be concerned about?

The following questions might be helpful to decide whether to seek help fro your child:

·      Is the worry out of proportion to the situation?

·      Is it impossible for the worry to be explained or reasoned away?

·      Is the worry beyond the child’s voluntary control?

·      Does it persist unchanged for an extended period?

·      Does it lead to avoidance of specific situations?

·      Is it interfering with their social, emotional, or academic functioning? 

·      Are there physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, hyperventilation that can’t be explained by another cause?

·      Is the worry associated with repetitive rituals?

If you have concerns that your child may have anxiety a good starting point is make an appointment for your child with a GP, who can help with diagnosis and create a management plan with you and your child.

Treatment options for anxiety includes psychological therapies as well as mindfulness, breathing techniques, lifestyle advice and support groups. Anxiety can take its toll on the whole family, so support is important for parents too.

Dr Nikki Twomey and Dr Nicole White are GPs consulting at Neighbourhood Medical who both have a special interest in child health including issues affecting mental wellbeing. 

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