All children will experience anxiety occasionally. This is completely normal because anxiety is a normal reaction built in as a protective mechanism against perceived danger. It is one of the ways that human beings react to perceive danger, and a certain amount of anxiety is necessary so that humans can anticipate threats to their safety. However, some children may experience anxiety more than they should. Here are the signs that tell you your “little worrywart” may need help to conquer excessive worry.

When a Child has Anxiety…

You will know that your child needs help when family health and safety always seem to be a pressing concern. Children with anxiety often dwell on “what ifs” about countless things. If a friend or a family member, they will worry that an accident will happen or the person involved won’t make it home. The slightest hint that a pet is under the weather could cause children with anxiety to be extremely upset.

A red flag is when children suffer from headaches, stomachaches, and other physical symptoms. This generalized anxiety will need to be resolved, and the best way to help children experiencing these symptoms is to seek the assistance of well-trained and caring professionals.

Some children suffer from other forms of anxiety. For example, if they suffer from a form of anxiety classified as obsessive compulsive disorder, you will see that they are obsessed by certain things and processes. They will manifest a strong compulsion to repeat actions as a means of resolving anxiety, and they may be noticeably upset when certain objects are misplaced.

Anxiety will manifest in other children as a phobia, an intense fear of objects or situations that are not dangerous in themselves. Common fears include fear of heights, specific animals, closed spaces, and activities such as flying in a plane or riding a boat.

In some cases, the anxiety will show itself as fear or withdrawal from social situations. There are children who will figuratively shrink from the very thought of having to socialize with others. In some case, their anxiety is so intense they will suffer from panic attacks.

Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety

The child who has anxiety suffers constantly and unnecessarily, and as a parent, you may think that your only recourse is to keep providing reassurance that everything will be alright. However, you can begin to feel helpless and frustrated when faced with an unending need for such reassurance. Don’t wait until you are at your wits’ end before you seek the support your child needs.

Call Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC and get the help your child needs to overcome anxiety. At Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC we contract with highly qualified licensed professionals who will provide counseling sessions to help free your child from the burden of anxiety.

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