One in seven teenagers may experience mental health difficulties, but anxiety can look different in every child. Common signs include:
- Excessive worrying: The child worries too much about exams, school, friendships, or family.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or frequent waking during the night.
- Physical symptoms: Frequent headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or a racing heartbeat without an obvious cause.
- Avoiding social situations: The child avoids school, meeting friends, speaking in class, or participating in activities.
- Irritability and mood changes: The child becomes upset, restless, angry, or cries more often than usual.
- Difficulty concentrating: The child struggles to focus on studies because of constant worries.
- Seeking constant reassurance: The child repeatedly asks whether everything will be okay or fears making mistakes.
- Fear of separation: The child becomes extremely distressed when separated from parents or other trusted caregivers.
How can parents help?
- Listen calmly and take the child’s feelings seriously.
- Avoid scolding or comparing the child with others.
- Encourage regular sleep, physical activity, and healthy routines.
- Talk openly about school pressure, friendships, and other worries.
- Seek help from a qualified mental health professional if symptoms persist, worsen, or interfere with everyday life.
Important: Occasional worry is normal while growing up. These symptoms do not automatically mean a child has an anxiety disorder; a professional assessment may be needed to determine the cause.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health, diet, or treatment decisions. SehatTak is not responsible for any actions taken based on this information.
