Anxiety has become a prevalent part of our children's lives. Many children face overwhelming school expectations, constant media bombardment, and social media so it is no wonder anxiety is on the rise. This article highlights some statistics and symptoms of anxiety as a means to help you gain a better understanding of it. Facts about Child Anxiety
“7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety” - [1]
“In the past 10 years, there has been increasing recognition of anxiety in young people by health care providers, including a 17% increase in anxiety disorder diagnosis.” - [2]
“Yet anxiety symptoms are minimized or ignored. As little as 1% of youth with anxiety seek treatment in the year symptoms begin.” - [2]
“At some point, anxiety affects 30% of children and adolescents, yet 80% never get help.” [2]
“Untreated anxiety disorders are linked to depression, school failure and a two-fold increase in risk for substance use disorder.” [2]
Symptoms of Anxiety in Children
It is important to note that anxiety is a healthy part of life. It keeps us motivated, focused and out of danger. However, it also can become a major hindrance to living a full life if symptoms are intensified, frequent and distressing. When anxiety gets in your child's way of living his/her best life then it's time to address the issue. There are many different types of anxiety but for the purpose of this article we will focus on generalized anxiety. So how do you know if your child is anxious? Here is a list of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms to look out for:
As daunting as this might seem there is hope! Anxiety is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right support a child can learn to thrive and feel confident in the face of anxiety.
- Sarit Fassazadeh, LCSW is a child therapist who practices in Los Angeles. Her private practice strives to help children gain practical tools to deal with anxiety effectively so that they can live life to the fullest.
Sources
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
[2] https://childmind.org/our-impact/childrens-mental-health-report/2018report/
http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/a/anxiety-disorders/symptoms-and-causes
https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/