6 Signs of Anxiety in Kids

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6 Signs of Anxiety in Kids

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges children face—impacting roughly 10% of kids in the United States. As a parent or caregiver, knowing what to look for can help you step in early, offer support, and get your child the help they need to thrive.

Below are six signs of anxiety in children that are easy to miss but important to recognize.

Signs of Anxiety in Kids

1 - Excessive Worry

Excessive Worry

Kids with anxiety often worry more than what seems reasonable for the situation. They might constantly fear getting sick, being separated from a parent, or doing poorly in school—even when there’s no clear cause for concern.

These worries can feel overwhelming, and your child may not be able to turn them off, no matter how much reassurance you provide.

2 - Physical Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Anxiety doesn’t just live in the mind—it often shows up in the body.

Stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and even rapid breathing can all be signs of underlying anxiety, especially if your child experiences them frequently or in response to stressful situations.

3 - Avoidance Behaviors

Avoidance Behaviors

Kids sometimes cope with anxiety by avoiding the things that trigger it. This might look like refusing to go to school, avoiding social situations, or quitting an activity they used to enjoy. While avoidance can bring immediate relief, it reinforces the fear in the long run and can make anxiety worse over time.

5 - Sleep Disturbances

Sleep Disturbances

Anxiety can interfere with sleep in many ways. Kids may have trouble falling asleep because of racing thoughts or wake during the night from bad dreams.

Over time, poor sleep can worsen anxiety and affect mood, concentration, and behavior during the day.

4 - Irritability

Irritability

It’s not always obvious, but irritability can be a symptom of anxiety. Kids who are anxious may seem cranky, easily frustrated, or quick to anger. These emotional outbursts aren’t just about behavior—they’re often a sign that your child is feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to express it.

6 - Difficulty Concentrating

Difficulty Concentrating

When kids are anxious, it can be hard to focus. They might struggle to stay on task, follow instructions, or finish homework. You might notice they seem distracted or forgetful, especially when stress is high.

These challenges can be especially tough in school, where performance anxiety can feed into a cycle of frustration and self-doubt.

When to Get Help

If you’ve noticed some of these signs and they’re starting to interfere with your child’s daily life, it may be time to reach out for support. Anxiety is treatable—and with the right tools and guidance, kids can learn to manage it and feel more in control.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) provides a wide range of wraparound mental health services designed to help kids heal. Contact us online to get a child support today.

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