Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety is where a person has feelings of worry, fear and their thoughts can revolve on danger. People with anxiety may have worry that is difficult to control, and may need significant reassurance. It can be a response to stress of different kinds. In children, this can be due to:

• Stressful events including death or illness in the family
• Concerning news about events like natural disasters or climate change
• Significant life changes such as starting at a new school or parents separating
• School-related events, such as tests or bullying
• Injury or becoming sick

For diagnosing anxiety, there should be at least three of the following symptoms present:

• Feeling restless or on edge
• Easily tired
• Reduced concentration
• Being irritable
• Having muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance

Anxiety is diagnosed where these symptoms are present on most days for at least 6 months and it affects day-to-day life.

Anxiety is usually general, and happens without a particular trigger. They can have:

• Shortness of breath, hyperventilation, racing or pounding heart
• An inability to relax, nausea, trembling, shaking, a feeling of butterflies and muscle tension
• Restlessness, gastrointestinal problems, including stomach aches, or headaches
• Difficulty falling asleep, having nightmares
• Increased need to pass urine
• Fatigue, vague aches and pains, paresthesias, sweating, a feeling of choking, chills, hot flashes or dizziness

At home, parents can help support their children if they notice signs of anxiety by:

• Talking with their child about their feelings and it can help to reassure them that everyone can feel worried or scared
• Supporting their child in slowly doing the activities that can cause them anxiety. It is important to not allow the child to avoid these activities as this can become a pattern that is difficult to adjust
• Using techniques to help them manage their anxiety, including breathing techniques or reassuring phrases
• Giving praise to their child when they complete an activity that they might normally avoid
• Scheduling time for enjoyable activities to reduce focus on negative feelings
• Encouraging a healthy routine that includes plenty of sleep, regular exercise, nutritious meals and minimal screen time

Cognitive behavioural therapy is considered the gold-standard for treating anxiety, using techniques that target unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are shown to generate and maintain anxiety. Cognitive behaviour therapy can be used as a treatment on its own, or can be combined with anti-anxiety medication, for example with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.