Just like adults, children and teens can also feel sad, hopeless or worried. This is a normal part of being human; however, if your child is constantly sad, hopeless or anxious this can be a cause for concern. It’s important that you don’t just ignore these symptoms, as they could be signs of childhood depression or anxiety. Here at A to Z Pediatric and Youth Healthcare, we work with many families who have children dealing with mental health disorders. Here’s what you should know about childhood.
Signs of Anxiety
Yes, even children will experience fear and worry from time to time. Perhaps they are nervous about their first day of school or worried about an upcoming test. These feelings are normal; however, if your child’s worries and fears start to affect their home, school or social life then it’s probably time to talk with your pediatrician. Some signs of anxiety in children and teens include,
- Experiencing extreme fear around certain objects or scenarios (e.g. airplanes; animals)
- Experiencing intense anxiety when separated from parents or family
- Experiencing intense worry around going to school or socializing with others
- Fear of the future or worried that bad things will happen to them or their family
If your child suffers from panic disorders they may also experience lightheadedness, rapid heart rate and sweating during an attack. It’s also normal for children with anxiety to complain of poor sleep, decreased appetite, fatigue and stomach issues.