Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe.

Most children experience anxiety at some point in their life. For example, they may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam or meeting new friends or changing schools.

Feeling anxious is sometimes perfectly normal. However, children with generalised anxiety disorder, find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and often affect their daily life. They may have some triggers that you may recognise e.g. Monday morning, time away from family, going to a party, having to a particular piece of homework, etc. Symptoms of anxiety can be psychological or physical.

Do you recognise any of the following in your child?

• restlessness
• a sense of dread
• feeling constantly “on edge”
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability
• tearful
• bouts of anger

The above are some of the psychological symptoms. Your child may also find going to school difficult and stressful and may take time off sick. These makes them worry even more about themselves and increase their lack of self-esteem.

And is your child complaining of any of these?

Anxiety disorder also has a number of physical symptoms, including:

• dizziness
• tiredness
• a noticeably strong, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• muscle aches and tension
• trembling or shaking
• dry mouth
• excessive sweating
• shortness of breath
• stomach ache
• feeling sick
• headache
• pins and needles
• difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia)

If your child is suffering from anxiety disorder, then I can certainly help, call to book your free consultation.