Anxiety: Common and treatable in children
What does anxiety in children look like?
- Worry about things before they actually happen.
- Constant worries or concerns about family, school, friends, or activities.
- Repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or actions (compulsions).
- Fears of embarrassment or making mistakes.
- Low self esteem and lack of self-confidence.
Early treatment of severe anxiety in children can prevent future difficulties, such as loss of friendships, failure to reach social and academic potential, and feelings of low self-esteem. If left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to depression, which can predispose someone to suicidal thoughts, gestures and attempts.