Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
Anxiety in children and teenagers often looks different from anxiety in adults. Young people may not have the words to express what they are feeling, and their distress can manifest as irritability, stomach aches, school refusal, or behavioural problems.
Normal Worry vs Anxiety Disorder
It is normal for children to experience fears at different developmental stages — separation anxiety in toddlers, fear of the dark in preschoolers, social worries in adolescents. An anxiety disorder is diagnosed when the fear is excessive for the child's developmental level, persists over time, and interferes with daily functioning.
Common Anxiety Disorders in Young People
Separation Anxiety: Intense fear of being away from parents or home
Generalised Anxiety: Excessive worry about school, health, or world events
Social Anxiety: Extreme fear of peer judgement or embarrassment
Panic Disorder: Recurrent unexpected panic attacks
Specific Phobias: Intense fear of particular objects or situations
Signs to Watch For
- Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches - Refusing to go to school - Clinginess or difficulty separating from parents - Irritability, meltdowns, or emotional outbursts - Trouble sleeping or nightmares - Perfectionism and excessive reassurance-seeking - Avoidance of social or performance situations
Effective Support and Treatment
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: Helps parents respond effectively to anxious behaviour
CBT for Children: Age-appropriate cognitive and behavioural strategies
School-Based Support: Collaboration with teachers for accommodations
Family Therapy: Addresses family dynamics that may maintain anxiety
When to Seek Help
If anxiety is affecting your child's happiness, friendships, or school performance, professional support can make a significant difference. At Glintcare, our child and adolescent mental health team provides specialised, compassionate care for young people and their families.
