Anxiety is similar but not the same as fear. But what makes it different from the latter is that Anxiety is a vague feeling of apprehension that is a response to external or internal stimuli that can manifest into behavioral, cognitive, and physical symptoms. Meanwhile, fear is the feeling of being threatened by an identifiable stimulus that represents danger to the person.
Some degree of anxiety in children in some situations is normal. But if one becomes nervous and starts to avoid places and activities, then it is an indication of an anxiety disorder.
An anxiety disorder usually manifests physical and emotional symptoms. It can affect a child's judgement, views, learning, and concentration. Most of the time, it causes increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.
There are a lot of Anxiety disorders that affect children. Among these are:
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder - a child who worries excessively on different kinds of things. Children with this disorder are perfectionists; they seek approval and reassurance from people around them.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - a child who usually has disturbing thoughts and feels the need to perform rituals over and over again to relieve anxiety.
3. Panic Disorder - a child who suddenly becomes anxious for no reason at all.
4. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - a child who experiences anxiety, irritability, and phobias following a traumatic event in his /her life.
5. Separation Anxiety Disorder - it is normal for a child who experiences separation anxiety when he/she is still 18 months - three years old. However, when the child is a little older and is still unable to leave a family member, then he/she is experiencing separation anxiety disorder.
6. Social Anxiety Disorder - a child who experiences fear of social situations such as dance performance, or starting conversations.
7. Selective Mutism - a child who's afraid in situations where talking is necessary to the point that it affects his/her studies.
Anxiety can be handled and lessened, effectively. Ways to lessen their anxiety are the following:
1. Encourage the child to share his thoughts about his fear.
2. Listen to your child, and let him know that you are there for him.
3. Distract your child. Let him play whatever he wants.
4. Walk him outside, so he could breathe fresh air.
5. Maintain his regular routines as much as possible.
6. Make sure he eats right and gets enough sleep.
7. Do not schedule too many activities on the same day.
8. Do not expose your child to stories that might upset him.
9. Always keep calm when you're in front of your child.
10. Consult your pediatrician if a new sibling, move, divorce, or death is the reason behind your child's anxiety.
