What is Anxiety?
What Is Anxiety?
Feeling worry or fear is a normal feeling, but for people with anxiety disorders, this feeling isn’t occasional and doesn’t go away. Anxiety is a long-lasting emotion focused on a non-concentrated threat. There are several types of anxiety including generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and phobia-related disorders.
Generalized anxiety: Non-specific worrying that is difficult to control and interferes with daily activities.
Separation anxiety: Worry when away from parents or the potential of being separated from parents.
Panic disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear.
Social Anxiety: Not wanting to be around other people.
Phobia: Fear about a specific thing or situation (ex: going to the dentist)
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Signs & Symptoms
Your children may know the words to explain how they feel to you and others may not know how to explain. Either way, here are some signs and symptoms your child may be struggling with anxiety:
- Trouble sleeping
- Excessive crying/worrying
- Have a hard time focusing
- Get angry easily
- Complaining that they aren’t feeling well (upset stomach, headaches, under or over eating, etc.)
Childhood anxiety is often linked to genetics, however sometimes anxiety can develop after a stressful life event like any of the following:
- The death of a close family member or friend
- Bullying
- Abuse
- Moving
- Parents fighting or divorce
One of the ways our clinic treats mental health disorders like anxiety is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (LINK). If you have questions or are concerned about your child, please call us at 919-378-1340 to schedule an evaluation with our mental health counselor.
Wondering About Developmental Milestones?
Have questions about your child’s development, or wondering if a certain diagnosis may be a fit? Try out our developmental screening tool— it’s a fast, free way to get a snapshot of your child’s progress on his or her developmental milestones.