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But for some kids and teens, this alarm system gets a bit wonky. It starts blaring loudly even when there’s no real danger. It can make you feel worried or scared about things that most people wouldn’t feel so strongly about, like going to school, sleeping alone, trying new things, or meeting new people. These “too big” worries are what we call an anxiety disorder.

It’s not just being “shy” or “nervous.” It’s when worries become a constant, overwhelming presence that makes everyday life feel really hard.

What Does Anxiety Look Like in Kids and Teens?

Anxiety can show up in different ways, almost like a sneaky chameleon!

For Younger Kids (Think 5-10 years old):

• Tummy aches or headaches: Often, anxiety shows up physically. They might complain of a stomach ache before school, even if they’re not really sick.
• Being extra clingy: Not wanting to be separated from parents or caregivers, even for short periods.
• Frequent tantrums or meltdowns: When feeling overwhelmed, they might express it through emotional outbursts.
• Trouble sleeping: Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, or wanting to sleep in a parent’s bed.
• Avoiding things: Refusing to go to school, playdates, or activities they used to enjoy.
• Asking for a lot of reassurance: Constantly asking “Are you sure everything will be okay?”

For Adolescents (Teens, Think 11-18 years old):

• Constant worrying: Always thinking about “what if” scenarios, school performance, friendships, or future events.
• Physical symptoms: Shortness of breath, heart racing, sweating, trembling, dizziness (sometimes feeling like a panic attack).
• Avoiding social situations: Skipping school, declining invitations, or withdrawing from friends they used to hang out with.
• Perfectionism: Becoming overly focused on doing things perfectly, fearing mistakes, which can lead to procrastination or not trying at all.
• Irritability or anger: When constantly on edge, small things can trigger big reactions.
• Difficulty concentrating: Worries buzzing in their head make it hard to focus on homework or conversations.
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits: Eating much more or much less, or having trouble falling/staying asleep.

For Caregivers (What you might observe): You might notice these changes in behavior, a sudden drop in grades, new fears, or a general reluctance to engage in typical activities. Your child might seem more irritable, withdrawn, or stressed than usual. They might be trying to hide their struggles, too, so paying attention to subtle shifts is key.

Why Do These “Too Big” Worries Happen?

Anxiety disorders are complex, and they’re not anyone’s fault. They can be caused by a mix of things:

• Brain Chemistry: Sometimes, the chemicals in our brains that help regulate mood and fear don’t work quite right.
• Genetics: Anxiety can run in families, meaning some people are more prone to it.
• Life Events: Stressful situations like moving to a new school, family changes, or even experiencing something traumatic can trigger or worsen anxiety.
• Learning: Sometimes, kids learn to be anxious by observing others around them.

What You Need to Know: Hope and Help Are Available

The most important takeaway from today is this: anxiety disorders are treatable, and kids and teens can learn to manage their “too big” worries!

It’s like learning to calm that alarm system down, or giving your brain better tools to handle those big feelings. This doesn’t mean the worries disappear entirely – everyone worries sometimes – but it means they won’t control your life anymore.

If you, your child, or a teen you know is struggling with “too big” worries, it’s a sign to reach out. Talk to a trusted adult, a school counselor, or your doctor. They can help you understand what’s going on and connect you with people who know how to help. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.