What Is Anxiety in Kids?
Anxiety is the mind and body’s response to a situation perceived as stressful or threatening. It becomes an anxiety disorder when the reaction is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life.
The most common forms of anxiety in kids include:
- Separation anxiety, often seen in younger children who fear being away from their parents.
- Generalized anxiety, constant worries about school, friends, health, or performance.
- Performance anxiety, fear of failure or pressure to do everything perfectly, commonly seen at school or in sports and artistic activities.
- Specific phobias,such as fear of animals, water, or the dark.
- Social anxiety, marked by strong shyness or fear of being judged.
For some kids living with ADHD, anxiety can also be present. Difficulties with attention or fear of not meeting expectations can increase day-to-day stress.
Each child experiences anxiety in their own way, depending on their personality and age. These signs can look very different from one developmental stage to another. A very young child will often express anxiety through crying or stomachaches, while a school-aged child may avoid certain activities or worry about not being good enough.
Anxiety by Age
Anxiety symptoms change significantly depending on age and developmental stage.
- Before age 5: separation anxiety is common, fear of leaving parents, distress at daycare, or difficulty at bedtime. These reactions are often temporary but still deserve gentle attention.
- Around ages 5–6: kids may fear new situations like starting school or meeting new people.
- Ages 7–9: anxiety often shows up as fear of failure, sensitivity to judgment, or needing constant reassurance.
- Approaching pre-adolescence: worries become more complex, school performance, appearance, friendships, and wanting to fit in.
At any age, your pharmacist can help you distinguish between normal worries and more persistent anxiety, and point you toward the right resources for your child.
How to Recognize the Signs of Anxiety in Kids
Every child reacts differently, but some signs may indicate anxiety that goes beyond normal worries.
Physical symptoms
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches
- Trouble sleeping or nightmares
- Fatigue or muscle tension
Emotional symptoms
- Irritability or frequent crying
- Fear of disappointing others, constant worries
- Lower self-confidence
Behavioral signs
- Avoiding certain situations (school, activities, social events)
- Constant need for reassurance
- Outbursts or meltdowns linked to stress
If these signs persist and affect daily life, it’s important to consult a health professional.
When Should You Consult a Professional?
You can consult when:
- Anxiety prevents your child from functioning normally at school, at home, or with friends.
- Your child has frequent physical symptoms without a clear medical cause.
- You feel overwhelmed by the situation.
Pharmacists can be a first point of contact to discuss symptoms and guide families toward the right resources. They can also help identify whether certain medications may be contributing to anxiety or support the monitoring of a prescribed treatment.
Approaches to Help Ease Anxiety in Kids
Supporting a child with anxiety starts with creating a safe and reassuring environment. Depending on the intensity of symptoms, different strategies may be used. Some rely on healthy habits and family support, while others may require professional help or, in some cases, medication.
Non-Medication Approaches
In most cases, anxiety in kids is first managed without medication.
Helpful strategies include:
- Maintaining a stable and predictable routine.
- Teaching simple breathing or relaxation techniques.
- Encouraging expression of emotions (talking, drawing, writing)
- Celebrating small daily successes.
- Consulting a psychologist or school counselor when needed.
Your pharmacist can help you understand these approaches and recommend local resources tailored to your child.
Medication Treatments
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help stabilize mood or reduce anxiety.
These treatments, such as certain antidepressants or anxiolytics adapted for children, require careful monitoring.
Your pharmacist’s role includes:
- Explaining how and when to take the medication.
- Monitoring possible side effects or interactions.
- Supporting the family throughout the treatment.
The Pharmacist’s Role in Supporting Families
Pharmacists at Accès pharma chez Walmart play a key role in supporting families. They can:
- Listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
- Help you understand your child’s medication and how it works.
- Offer personalized follow-up to adjust treatment when needed.
- Collaborate with your child’s doctor, psychologist, or school to ensure a consistent approach.
Why regular pharmacist follow-ups matter
Regular monitoring helps check tolerance, adjust dosage when needed, and reassure parents throughout the process. This continuous support helps maintain emotional stability for the child and promotes overall well-being.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma at Walmart affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
