How Anxiety Can Manifest in Different Age Groups
Parents sometimes come to a therapist at a loss for what’s going on with their kid. As it turns out, they just didn’t recognize the symptoms of anxiety in their kids or teens, because it manifests in different ways at different age groups.
Common ways that anxiety may manifest in school-aged kids can look different than preteen years, which can look different in teen years.
Overall, the symptoms of anxiety can look very different in children and adolescents than it looks in adults, which is why it can sometimes be confusing to parents.
Let’s take a look at some of the more common manifestations of anxiety in the different age groups and developmental stages.
School-aged kids:
A lot of the symptoms of anxiety for younger children can leave parents somewhat confused or at a loss. If your child has a few of these symptoms, it could be the way their anxiety manifests.
Going to the bathroom often or having accidents
Change in appetite (either eating more or less)
Difficulties focusing in school
Fidgeting
Not sleeping enough, co-sleeping, complaining of nightmares
Irritability, especially when there is a disruption in the routine
Outbursts, meltdowns, difficulty regulating emotions
Somatic (physical) symptoms, like stomach aches or headaches
Constantly worrying about unusual things
Being clingy
Pre-teens:
As kids get older and are in that “tween” developmental phase, their symptoms become more related to their outside world. If your child is experiencing some of these symptoms, it could be symptoms of anxiety.
Becoming suddenly socially withdrawn
People-pleasing, afraid to say no
Avoidance of certain situations
Difficulties concentrating
Recurring fears or worries
Needing a lot of reassurance
Becoming more self-conscious or insecure
Sensitive to criticism
Drop in grades
Finding new situations difficult
Teens:
As your child gets into their teen years, the symptoms begin to resemble what adults may more easily recognize as anxiety, or may consider to be the “traditional” symptoms of anxiety. However, the one area that is typically confusing for parents are the behavioral manifestations, such as moodiness or getting in trouble in school.
Feeling on edge
Restlessness
Having an attitude or being moodier than usual
Becoming emotional more easily
Spending more time alone
Excessively tired due to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling rested
Feeling overwhelmed more easily
Rapid heart rate
Feeling like they are disconnected or numb; dissociating
Body aches, stomach pains, headaches/migraines
Losing interest in extracurriculars or hobbies
Poor school performance or getting in trouble in school
If your child, pre-teen, or teen appears to be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, it can be super helpful to get in touch with a mental health professional and provide them with the additional support they need.
You can schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation to meet with one of our therapists at Amel Counseling and Consulting!
