Recognizing the signs of anxiety

Every person experiences anxiety in different ways, but there are some common symptoms that you can also identify in your child. This chapter addresses these signs, explains how to spot them, and explores effective ways to soothe them. It also includes some advice on how to talk to your child about anxiety and help them accept their feelings.

Understanding what anxiety means

It is worth taking some time to explain what we mean by the word "anxiety." It is the feeling we have when we are under pressure. Each of us reacts differently to anxiety – some are even motivated by it – but if your child feels that they cannot manage it and the pressure is too great, then anxiety can become a problem. Anxiety is usually the immediate reaction to a stressful situation, but this is not always the case. If your child has experienced a traumatic event or a change in their life, anxiety symptoms may appear even a month later.