Anxiety in children and teenagers
From time to time, your son or daughter might worry about certain life events, for example, starting a new school, moving house or taking an important test.
However, for some young people, anxiety can develop into a more significant issue, affecting social life or their time at school; it may also affect home life, such as sleep issues or cause trouble at bedtime.
If you have observed your child experiencing generalised apprehension or worry that impacts their well-being and family life, clinical psychology therapy for anxiety could help. Effective talking therapies such as CBT, used by highly experienced clinicians, are available with our clinic in the North West London area.
How do I know if my child or teenager has anxiety?
The most common presenting symptoms of anxiety is a generalised sense of apprehension, uneasiness, dread and worry towards situations or objects that you or your child fears has gotten out of control.
You might notice that your son or daughter is exhibiting the following:
- Persistent anxiety not restricted to any particular circumstance.
- Your child may experience all environments as potentially threatening or anxiety-inducing.
- Struggling to control the worry or anxiety, believing that they cannot stop it.
- Feeling on edge or worried about bad things happening in the future.
- Trouble concentrating - this could be the basis of issues at school and doing homework.
- Emotional outbursts (e.g. anger or frequently crying).
- Catastrophising events or situations - this means thinking that the worst thing will happen.
- Struggling to get to sleep or sleep through the night.
- Periods of increased worry or panic where they take significant effort to be calmed down.
Physical symptoms:
- Sweating.
- Dry mouth.
- Feeling that their heart is racing.
- Stomach aches.
- Trembling or restless fidgeting.
Different types of anxiety may present in children, such as social anxiety, separation anxiety, health anxiety, school and exam-associated anxiety. Anxiety left untreated can cause a significant interruption to your child’s peer relationships, social life, and performance at school. Seeking help is the best way to combat anxiety, so please get in touch if you believe your child struggles with any of the above symptoms.
How can I help my child or teenager with anxiety?
If you have noticed the above symptoms in your child, we recommend you get in touch to book a free telephone consultation.
As a parent, it can be distressing to watch your child or teenager struggle with anxiety. The good news is, there are evidence-based, modern and effective counselling and therapy methods for anxiety available in North West London with Harwood Child Psychology. Our approach of using only rigorously tested and NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) approved treatments dramatically increases the chance of seeing real improvements in your child.
At Harwood Child Psychology, we offer effective talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), that will help your child gain the skills to fight anxiety. In line with national scientific guidelines, CBT at Harwood Child Psychology is conducted with children and teenagers alongside family involvement. As a parent, you can follow your child’s progress and help them develop Challenge-Test-Reward skills to manage their anxiety.
Parents always want to help their child overcome their anxiety, however sometimes are inadvertently making the situation worse through their efforts to help. Parents are always involved in the treatment at Harwood Child Psychology to make sure everyone is working together effectively.
We offer cost-effective, evidence-based treatment with a highly qualified clinical psychologist. You can be sure that your child or teenager is in safe hands. We pride ourselves on a high quality, warm and compassionate service that can help your son or daughter overcome anxiety.
Harwood Child Psychology provides engaging and effective therapy for anxiety in Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Highgate, Hampstead, Finchley and the wider North West London area.
