by Miriam Mandel MD
Anxiety is an “internalizing symptom” and basically invisible except for the behaviors that are displayed.
What is an internalizing symptom or an external symptom
Examples of internalizing symptoms are sadness, anxiety, and loneliness. In contrast, examples of externalizing symptoms include aggression and hyperactivity. (Source: NIMH: Levesque, 2011.)
Signs a younger child struggles with anxiety
While there is definitely no “one size fits all” when it comes to what anxiety can look like in childhood, there are a few things to watch out for:
😨 clinginess
😰 excessive need for reassurance
😧 fearful expressions
😨 avoidance
😰 Obstinate refusal to do certain things
😧 tantrums if the child feels pressure to do something that brings on anxiety
😨 irritability and moodiness, especially after having to manage anxiety in school on their own all day (it’s exhausting and therefore emotionally taxing)
😰 inattention in school or other places where they are expected to “pay attention.”
😧 insomnia and trouble sleeping
😨 change in appetite
The list goes on, and some of these things can be seen in children without anxiety. The difference is whether it is affecting their day-to-day life. Is the child able to engage in life activities?
Questions you can ask your child
Depending on their age, these are some questions you can ask. Generally, it’s not recommended that you ask directly about anxiety.
😳 Do you ever worry about talking to kids you don’t know at school?
😳 Do you get scared being at home alone?
😳 Do you worry that something bad will happen to you or someone you love?
These can be questions to get the conversation going and get a bit more information. Being proactive now can save your kids and yourself a lot of unnecessary years of discomfort.
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