About child anxiety - Mindworx Psychology Castle Hill

Anxiety – What’s Normal?

Mild anxiety is a normal human emotion, and most children will experience anxiety before a sporting event or an exam.

Having some anxiety can help people perform at their best. But if anxiety becomes more intense, starts to cause distress, lasts for a long time or interferes with daily living, then it’s a problem.

For most of us, the physical feelings of anxiety include a faster heart rate, faster breathing, muscle tension, sweating, shaking, and ‘butterflies in the stomach’. For some children, they may be unaware of their body sensations. Many children complain of feeling “sick” or having a “sore tummy” when they are experiencing anxiety. For children who experience ‘panic attacks’, anxiety symptoms are very severe.

Research indicates that anxiety can be caused by one, or a combination of factors. These include genetic factors, temperament, ongoing stress, family background, physical health issues, or a traumatic event.

Although we can’t prevent the onset of anxiety, we can treat anxiety disorders and equip you and your child with the skills to manage and overcome their worries and fears.

Cool Kids – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program,

We offer the leading available “Cool Kids” treatment program for children with anxiety. Research indicates that most children who complete the Cool Kids programs show significant improvement.

Following treatment, there are marked increases in school attendance, academic achievement, confidence, number of friends and involvement in extra-curricular activities and decreases in worry, shyness, fear and family distress.

Signs of anxiety

Anxiety can take many different forms in children – from refusing to go somewhere, to emotional meltdowns. It can include crying, or anger and oppositional behaviour.

Parent’s often ask what’s normal and what’s not. We know that certain types of anxiety are common at certain ages, but when anxiety persists, or when it gets in the way for your child, then early intervention and skill building can make a significant difference.

Is your child a worrier?

Frequent tantrums?

Sleep problems?

Difficulty making new friends?

Frequently sad or angry?

Attention problems?

Separation anxiety?

Fear of public speaking?

Panic attacks?

Obsessive behaviour?

Phobias?

If you answer YES to any of the above, and have concerns about your child, call us in confidence on 02 8355 3634 to discuss how we can help.

We work extensively in the treatment of anxiety with children of all ages, providing treatment and counselling for a range of concerns.

About one in every seven Australians will have problems with anxiety. Half of them will experience their first symptoms by age 11, and some as young as 4 years old…

Read Dr Amanda’s article

“Helping your child through anxiety – 5 parenting traps to avoid”

Symptoms of anxiety

Persistent worrying, being a “worrywort”.
Excessive fears.
Excessive shyness.
Being unable to relax.
Avoiding challenging situations.

Being socially isolated or withdrawn.
Trouble concentrating and paying attention.
Poor sleep.
Being unable to get off to sleep/waking early.
Trying to be perfect.

Child Anxiety