Parenting is a beautiful but complex journey filled with joy, challenges, and uncertainty. One of the most concerning issues facing parents today is the growing rise of anxiety in children. From school pressure to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, our children are under more emotional stress than ever before.
As caregivers, it’s essential that we learn to recognise the signs of anxiety, understand what triggers it, and know how to provide the right support. This blog post offers a compassionate, beginner-friendly guide to childhood anxiety—its symptoms, causes, and the evidence-based treatment options available to help your child thrive.
📚 What You’ll Learn in This Article
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Why anxiety is rising in children
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Signs and symptoms of childhood anxiety
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How to recognise an anxiety disorder
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What triggers anxiety in children
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When parental anxiety becomes a concern
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Therapy questions your child may be asked
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Treatment options, including CBT, CBH, and more
🚨 Understanding the Rise in Anxiety Among Kids
Research shows that anxiety and depression among children and adolescents are on the rise. A global analysis of 29 studies involving over 80,000 young people found anxiety rates as high as 20.5%, with the pandemic dramatically accelerating this trend—especially among teenage girls and older children.
Anxiety doesn’t always look the same. A quiet, well-behaved child might be suffering silently, while another who appears “disruptive” may actually be overwhelmed with fear or worry. Recognising anxiety early can prevent long-term struggles with emotional wellbeing, academic performance, and social relationships.
🧠 Signs and Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety in Children
How do you know if your child is experiencing anxiety or just going through a phase? Look for these common warning signs:
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Constant worry or fear about everyday things
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Avoidance of specific people, places, or activities
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Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
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Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches
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Irritability, restlessness, or outbursts
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Fatigue and low energy
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Trouble concentrating or staying focused
If these symptoms persist, it’s time to speak to your GP or a mental health professional.
🔍 Could It Be an Anxiety Disorder?
While occasional worry is normal, an anxiety disorder is characterised by frequent, intense, and disruptive worry that affects daily life.
Signs of an anxiety disorder in children may include:
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Excessive fear or panic over minor issues
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Persistent avoidance of feared situations
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Racing heart, sweating, or trembling during stress
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Intrusive thoughts or fears that won’t go away
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Difficulty eating, sleeping, or functioning at school
If you're unsure, trust your instincts—early intervention can make a huge difference.
💡 Advice for Parents: When to Seek Support
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Don’t dismiss your concerns. If something feels off, follow up.
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Stay calm and supportive—avoid shaming or minimising their feelings.
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Use open-ended questions like “What’s on your mind today?” or “What was the hardest part of your day?”
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Reach out to your GP or a children’s therapist for a professional opinion.
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Remember: you are not alone, and support is available.
🧍♀️ Is Your Own Anxiety Affecting Your Child?
Parental anxiety is normal—but when it becomes overwhelming, it can amplify your child’s anxiety. If you’re experiencing:
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Constant worry or overprotection
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Avoidance of social settings or school meetings
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Trouble sleeping, eating, or functioning
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Feelings of burnout or guilt
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Physical symptoms like headaches or panic attacks
...it may be time to seek help for yourself as well.
🔄 What Triggers Anxiety in Children?
Children can develop anxiety due to a range of factors:
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Genetics – A family history of anxiety or mental illness
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Life events – Divorce, trauma, illness, or bullying
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School pressures – Academic expectations or social stress
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Sensory overwhelm – Especially for highly sensitive children
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Parental anxiety – Emotional modelling or stress absorption
Understanding what causes anxiety is key to developing the right support plan.
🗣️ What Therapists Might Ask Children During Assessment
Therapists often use gentle, age-appropriate questions such as:
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“When do you feel most nervous?”
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“What happens in your body when you feel worried?”
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“Are there any people or places that make you feel uncomfortable?”
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“What helps you feel safe or calm?”
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“Do your worries stop you from doing fun things?”
These questions help identify triggers and patterns that guide personalised treatment.
💬 Treatment Options for Childhood Anxiety
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating anxiety—but there are several proven, effective options tailored to children's unique needs.
✅ 1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the gold standard for anxiety treatment. It teaches children to:
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Identify unhelpful thoughts
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Understand the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions
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Use calming strategies and problem-solving skills
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Reframe negative thinking patterns
CBT empowers children to take control of their worries.
✅ 2. Cognitive Behaviour Hypnotherapy (CBH)
CBH combines CBT techniques with clinical hypnosis to reinforce change on a subconscious level. It’s especially helpful for:
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Phobias and fears
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Sleep issues
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Performance anxiety
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Children who respond well to visualisation or imagination-based techniques
CBH promotes calmness, resilience, and positive thinking patterns in a child-friendly way.
✅ 3. Exposure Therapy
A form of CBT where children gradually face feared situations in a safe, structured way. Over time, they learn:
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Their anxiety is manageable
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Avoidance isn’t the only option
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Confidence grows with each step
Used carefully, exposure therapy builds bravery and long-term resilience.
✅ 4. Relaxation and Mindfulness Techniques
These are especially useful for younger children and can be used anytime, anywhere. Teach them:
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Deep belly breathing
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Progressive muscle relaxation
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Guided imagery or meditation
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“Worry jars” or drawing exercises to externalise fears
✅ 5. Medication (when needed)
For severe or persistent anxiety, your GP may recommend medication alongside therapy. This should always be carefully monitored and discussed with a paediatric mental health professional.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Support Makes All the Difference
Anxiety is treatable, and your child can lead a confident, happy life with the right tools and support. By learning the signs, asking the right questions, and exploring personalised treatment, you’re already taking the first step towards healing.
You are your child’s safe space—and by listening, guiding, and seeking help when needed, you’re showing them how to manage emotions, build resilience, and thrive.
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