Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common emotional problem in children. Kids can develop crippling worries about many things, from germs to vomiting to their parents dying. Some anxious kids are painfully shy, and avoid things that other kids enjoy, some have tantrums and meltdowns, and others develop elaborate rituals, like compulsive hand washing, aimed at diminishing the fear.
If your child’s fears are persistent, overly intense, or begin interfering with her daily life, it might be time to seek help. Signs that a fear may be something more include:
- Obsessive worrying: Fixating on the object of his fear, thinking or talking about it often, or even when the trigger isn’t present. For example, becoming terribly anxious months before the next dentist visit.
- Fears that limit your ability to enjoy life or participate in activities. For example, refusing to go on a class trip to the park because there might be dogs there.
- Intense, specific fears that cause impairment. Signs of severe anxiety like panic attacks, compulsive or disruptive behavior, or withdrawing from activities, school or family. If your fears seem like they might be something more serious, make an appointment to talk with a professional to see if more help is necessary.