Excessive fears or worries, phobias, separation anxiety and more
Support for child anxiety in Melbourne
If your child’s anxiety is causing lots of worries, disrupting their daily life, or impacting their happiness, then it may be time to connect with a Child Psychologist. While some level of anxiety is a normal part of childhood, your child might need help if the worries keep on returning or if they are avoiding their usual activities.
Anxiety in children can vary by age and type with separation and specific fears emerging earlier and OCD and social anxiety occurring later. It is typical for anxious children to be anxious about lots of different things. Anxiety can also accompany other conditions or concerns such as developmental disorders or illness. Child Psychologists treat anxiety whilst assessing your child’s development and co-occurring conditions so that the whole treatment approach is holistic and incorporates health, developmental stage, and family culture and values.
Common reasons for anxiety in children
Separation anxiety
Many children experience fear when separating from their parents or caregivers, leading to distress during drop-offs at school or social events.
School pressure
The desire to perform well in school can create significant stress, particularly during tests or when facing challenging subjects.
Social situations
Interacting with other children can be daunting. Fear of rejection or embarrassment may lead to social anxiety, making it hard for children to form friendships.
Family changes
Events such as divorce, moving, or the arrival of a new sibling can create feelings of instability and fear about the future.
Health concerns
Children may worry excessively about their own health or the health of loved ones, especially if they have experienced illness or loss.
Parental expectations
High expectations from parents regarding achievements can foster anxiety in kids, making them feel pressured to meet these standards.
Exposure to violence or trauma
Witnessing or experiencing violence can lead to heightened anxiety, resulting in post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Bullying
Experiencing or witnessing bullying can create a sense of vulnerability, making kids anxious about going to school or interacting with other children.
Changes in routine
Any disruption to a child’s daily routine, such as moving to a new school or changes in caregivers, can cause anxiety and uncertainty.
Fear of natural disasters
News of events like severe storms, bushfires or floods can instill a pervasive fear, leading to anxiety about safety.
Signs of childhood anxiety
Excessive worrying and needing constant reassurance
Children may frequently express fears or concerns about everyday situations, and repeatedly ask for reassurance.
Compulsive behaviours, rituals and orderliness
Needing to perform certain rituals or actions repetitively can be a sign of excessive anxiety.
Physical symptoms
Anxiety can manifest as physical complaints, such as headaches, stomach-aches, or non-specific pains, particularly when facing anxiety-provoking situations.
Avoidance behaviours
Children might avoid specific places or activities that trigger their anxiety, such as refusing to go to school or participate in social gatherings.
Irritability and bossiness
Increased irritability, anger outbursts or being bossy towards family members can signal anxiety, particularly when children feel overwhelmed by their fears.
Sleep disturbances and sleep regression
Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or frequent waking as well as wanting to sleep in their parent’s bed can be indicators of anxiety.
Treatment options for anxiety in children
Parenting sessions
The single most effective form of treatment for childhood anxiety. Providing support to you with straightforward and easy strategies to help support your child will transform how your child experiences anxiety. You are the most important person for your child, and we help you to know how to respond to support your child to develop confidence, a sense of security and safety and age-appropriate independence. Parenting sessions at MCCP are based on parenting programs including Tuning Into Kids and Triple P Parenting, as well as attachment and neurobiological research.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
This evidence-based therapy helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with anxiety. It is most effective for school-aged children and is often more effective when combined with parenting sessions.
Play therapy
Utilising play as a form of communication, psychologists can help younger children express their feelings and learn coping strategies in a safe environment.
Family therapy
Engaging your family in therapy can improve communication and support systems, helping to alleviate anxiety through understanding and collaboration.
Working with schools
Developing a school refusal treatment plan in conjunction with the school to help children return following avoidance or refusal.
Medication
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage severe anxiety symptoms. We recommend seeing a Paediatrician to assess whether medication might be a helpful addition.
Common questions parents ask about childhood anxiety
Why is my child anxious?
Anxiety can stem from a mix of genetics, environment, and individual temperament. Parenting or a single event is rarely the sole cause for persistent anxiety. However, family dynamics and stressful events can contribute. Focusing on creating a supportive and open environment rather than assigning blame or expecting your child to be brave is more productive, as it encourages children to feel safe discussing their worries with you.
How can I help my child manage their anxiety?
Encourage open communication which lets your child know their feelings are valid and normal. Try to reduce giving reassurance such as “it will be okay”. Instead focus on comforting your child and then be supportive of small independent steps. Model managing worries so that your child can see it is possible. You might use breathing exercises or problem solving instead of worrying. Gradually facing their fears can also help alongside teaching coping skills, like mindfulness and positive self-talk, to equip them with tools they can use independently.
Will my child outgrow their anxiety?
Some children have a highly sensitive temperament which naturally leads them to avoid or be super cautious. Embracing the sensitivity whilst providing opportunities for your child to help build their competence and confidence slowly will reap rewards as they grow older. You and your child might benefit from brief support to focus upon growing confidence and managing worries when they are younger so they can thrive in older adolescence.
When should I seek professional help for my child’s anxiety?
If anxiety starts impacting their sleep, school performance, friendships, or daily activities, it’s wise to consider professional help. Signs of excessive worry, long-lasting distress, or avoidance behaviors that limit their experiences may indicate the need for intervention. Child Psychologists can offer guidance and techniques tailored to managing childhood anxiety effectively.
Your child anxiety treatment options in Melbourne
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