Anxiety in Children: Understanding the Different Types

Anxiety is a common experience for children, and as a parent, it’s important to understand the different types of anxiety your child may be experiencing.

Kids today experience more change, more rapidly than previous generations. They are exposed to world events through the internet and media. Most kids, like adults, experience some anxious moments or have fearful thoughts and feelings from time to time about certain events. Anxiety is a common and normal reaction and everyone experiences feelings of anxiety from time to time.

Anxiety is more pervasive than worry. It builds and carries on. Kids worry about big and little things. Typical childhood fears change with age. They include fear of strangers, heights, darkness, animals, blood, insects, and being left alone. Kids often learn to fear a specific object or situation after having an unpleasant experience, such as a dog bite or an accident. Separation anxiety is common when young children are starting school.

There are several types of anxiety disorders, and children and adolescents often have more than one at a time.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

3. Panic Disorder

4. Specific Phobias

5. Social Phobia

6. Separation Anxiety Disorder

7. Selective Mutism

All children experience difficulties at times. But if their troubles don’t go away or they interfere with everyday life, they may be in need of assistance.  If anxiety is interfering in your child’s everyday life, seek assistance from the school guidance officer or other mental health professional. Don’t ignore the problem and trust it will disappear.