Unexpected Signs of Anxiety in Children: What Every Parent Should Know
Child anxiety doesn’t always present in ways adults expect. Many children might not verbalize their anxious feelings, instead showing them through behaviors that can appear unrelated. Parents might notice anger, physical symptoms, or changes in social behavior without recognizing these as signs of anxiety. Understanding these signs is vital for parents and caregivers. Therapy for Child anxiety, led by Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim, specializes in identifying and addressing the hidden signs of childhood anxiety, providing children with the support they need for a brighter future.
Behavioral Signs that May Indicate Child Anxiety
Children experiencing anxiety often express it through behaviors that might appear as defiance or disobedience.
Anxious children sometimes react to their discomfort by displaying challenging behaviors, such as defiance or refusal to follow instructions. They may appear oppositional, when, in fact, they are avoiding situations that heighten their anxiety. Therapy for child anxiety at Therapy in Benoni helps parents understand that these behaviors often stem from a child’s inability to articulate their worries.
Working with Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim, families can uncover the real reason behind the behavior and find supportive solutions.
Physical Complaints That Don’t Have a Clear Cause
Anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, from stomachaches to headaches, without an obvious medical explanation. Children may frequently visit the school nurse or ask to stay home, which parents might initially attribute to minor illnesses. These physical complaints can signal a child’s anxious feelings. Therapy for child anxiety at Therapy in Benoni offers strategies for children and parents to recognize and manage these symptoms, making it easier for children to navigate their daily activities.
Perfectionism as a Mask for Anxiety
Some children channel their anxiety into perfectionism, setting unattainably high standards for themselves. This can lead to extreme frustration, fear of failure, and avoidance of challenging tasks. Parents may notice this as a drive for flawless performance in schoolwork or hobbies. Therapy in Benoni emphasizes a compassionate approach to help children understand their value beyond perfection. Through specialized therapy for child anxiety, Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim works with children to build resilience, accepting both successes and learning opportunities.
Avoidance of Social Situations
When children become withdrawn, avoid school events, or resist meeting new people, anxiety may be underlying these behaviors. This reluctance is often mistaken for shyness or introversion. Therapy for child anxiety, as practiced at Therapy in Benoni, helps children develop confidence in social situations, enabling them to engage in their environments without fear. With Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim’s guidance, children learn tools to handle anxiety around social interactions.
Sudden Changes in Academic Performance
Anxiety can impact a child’s ability to concentrate, leading to difficulties in completing assignments, retaining information, or staying organized. Therapy in Benoni provides individualized support for children facing these academic challenges, equipping them with skills to better manage their anxiety and improve their school performance.
Mood Swings and Irritability
When children feel anxious, they may react with heightened irritability or emotional sensitivity. Mood swings that parents or teachers might attribute to personality changes could actually be signs of underlying anxiety. Therapy for child anxiety at Therapy in Benoni helps parents understand these shifts, teaching them strategies to support their child through periods of emotional turbulence.
Difficulty Sleeping
Anxiety can disrupt sleep, causing children to experience restless nights or nightmares. Parents might notice that their child has difficulty falling asleep, wakes up frequently, or experiences disturbed sleep. Therapy for child anxiety with Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim at Therapy in Benoni includes methods to help children ease into restful sleep, reducing nighttime anxiety and promoting well-being.
Lack of Interest in Hobbies and Activities
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, children may withdraw from hobbies or extracurricular activities they once loved. This can be misinterpreted as laziness or lack of motivation. Therapy for child anxiety, as practiced at Therapy in Benoni, helps reengage children with their passions by managing the anxiety that hinders their enjoyment, allowing them to rediscover joy in their interests.
Overwhelming Worry or Catastrophic Thinking
Anxiety can lead children to fixate on worst-case outcomes, which adults may interpret as overreacting or unnecessary fearfulness. This catastrophic thinking is a common coping mechanism for anxious children. Therapy in Benoni supports children in reframing their thought patterns, teaching them to recognize realistic outcomes and reduce worry, creating a calmer, more positive outlook on life.
Attachment to Routine and Resistance to Change
Children who are anxious may develop an intense need for routines, finding comfort in familiar structures. Changes or disruptions in their day-to-day activities may trigger significant distress. Therapy for child anxiety at Therapy in Benoni, led by Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim, introduces techniques that ease the fear of change, helping children develop flexibility and confidence in new or unpredictable situations.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive with Therapy for Child anxiety? Book a Session with Pakeeza Carrim Today
If you suspect your child’s behaviors may be signs of anxiety, don’t wait to seek support. At Therapy in Benoni, Counseling Psychologist Pakeeza Carrim specializes in Therapy for Child Anxiety, helping children and families find peace and resilience. Reach out today to schedule a session and start your child’s journey to well-being.