If your child is suffering from childhood anxiety, Dr. Reema Mohammed at Midwest Care Pediatrics in Villa Park, IL is dedicated to providing quality care.

Signs of Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety has become so recognized in adults that it’s almost expected. However, we often miss the signs of it in children, mistaking it for normal changes kids go through or stress from school. While anxiety is not always at play, we must recognize the signs in children so that we can provide them with the help they need. Below, Dr. Mohammed and the team at Midwest Care Pediatrics in Villa Park, IL share the effects of childhood anxiety as well as the signs to keep an eye out for.

Anxiety in Children 

Fear and worry can be common in children, especially when they are facing the unknown. As kids, they are still gaining life experience, so they face many more unknowns than adults usually do. It’s not unusual for them to worry when changing schools, meeting new people, or preparing for a test.

They also tend to pick up on emotions in the home. If parents are fighting, a divorce is occurring, or a family member is ill, they’ll typically feel worried and anxious.

Sometimes, these emotions fade. However, anxiety can become a major problem, impacting their thoughts, behavior, school performance, relationships, and more. When it does, it’s time to speak with your pediatrician. The following are some of the most common signs that it’s hit this point.

• Trouble sleeping: Either they can’t sleep or wake up due to bad dreams.
• Difficulty concentrating: You’ll likely notice their grades slipping and may receive notes from their teacher.
• Constant worry: You might notice that they worry about everything, or they might have an ongoing response to a specific situation, such as going to school or even leaving the house.
• Clinginess: They might never want you to leave them, even for an activity that should be enjoyable to them.
• Physical symptoms: Your child might complain of stomach aches, headaches, or just not feeling good. This can be constant or situational, such as each time you take them to school.
• Uncontrollable emotions: They could be cranky all the time, get angry easily, or cry constantly.

These symptoms might be linked to other issues or might be part of a normal phase kids go through. The best way to determine if it is anxiety is to visit your pediatrician.

Let Dr. Mohammed and the team at Midwest Care Pediatrics in Villa Park, IL determine if childhood anxiety is to blame for your child’s symptoms and develop a personalized care plan. Call (708) 795-5502 to schedule your appointment today.