Adolescence can be an emotional time for most kids. High-schoolers in particular, are under a lot of pressure in regards to exams. Their social world, with social media being so highly used, can also cause pressure. They may be more likely to develop anxiety.

Most kids who develop trouble with anxiety do so before puberty, although some older kids can develop it too. One in 14 (7%) young people aged between 12-17 years has one or more anxiety disorder.

Here are some signs that you can watch out for or perhaps recognise in your child. These signs are not exclusive of anxiety and just because your teen experiences some of these signs does not mean he or she has an anxiety disorder but may indicate a need to seek further help.

Behavioral Signs of Anxiety: Your Child…

• Avoids participating in class activities.

• Avoids social situations with peers after school or on weekends (extracurricular activities, dates, school dances, etc.).

• Refuses to speak to peers or strangers in shops, restaurants, etc.

• Remains silent or preoccupied when their expected to work with others.

• Refuses to go to school.

• Constantly seeks approval from parents, teachers and friends.

• Engages in excessive hand washing, arranging, tapping or other compulsive behaviors.

• Becomes emotional or angry when their separating from parents or loved ones.

• Begins to have explosive outbursts.

• Starts withdrawing from activities they once loved.

Emotional Signs of Anxiety: Your Child…

• Cries often.

• Has extreme test anxiety.Has panic attacks (or is afraid of having panic attacks).

• Becomes cranky or angry for no clear reason.

• Is afraid of making even minor mistakes.

• Has pressing phobias (about bees, dogs, etc.) or excessive fears about natural disasters or large-scale accidents.

• Is afraid people will find out about her learning and attention issues (more so than other kids with the same issues do).

• Doubts their skills and abilities, even when there’s no reason to.

• Can’t handle any criticism, no matter how constructive.

• Worries about things way off in the future.

• Often has nightmares about losing a parent or loved one.

• Has obsessive thoughts or worries about things that might cause them harm, or other upsetting topics.

Physical Signs of Anxiety: Your Child…

• Constantly tenses their muscles.

• Has trouble falling or staying asleep.

• Frequently complains of headaches or stomachaches, with no medical reason.

• Refuses to eat in the school cafeteria or other public places.

• Gets restless, fidgety, hyperactive or distracted (but doesn’t necessarily have ADHD).

• Starts to shake or sweat in intimidating situations.

• Changes their eating habits suddenly.

• Won’t use restrooms away from home.

Hopefully, you are now aware of whether or not your child is someone who may need to professional help with their anxiety. If in doubt, it is always best to raise your concerns with someone who is professionally experienced in this field.

We specialise in working through young people's anxiety to help them lead a more positive and peaceful life. Don't hesitate to give us a call for a 15 minute complimentary phone consultation to discuss your child's situation in more detail together.

With love,

Jacqui Zdravkovski.