During the Covid-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety in youth doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. 1 in 5 children are experiencing elevated anxiety symptoms. Anxiety generally refers to feeling worried or nervous, it is a natural and normal human emotion. Children will sometimes experience anxiety, worries and fears. In most cases, these symptoms come and go and do not last very long. However, anxiety becomes problematic when it begins to interfere in a child’s life by preventing them from engaging in and enjoying normal healthy activities. Anxiety in children has many symptoms and can look very different from one child to the next. Some common signs that anxiety is becoming problematic for your child may include:

• your child is too anxious or troubled to enjoy daily activities
• your child spends a significant amount of time worrying on a weekly basis
• your child’s anxiety symptoms persist for a prolonged period. (weeks, or months)
• your child experiences difficulties sleeping
• your child experiences physical symptoms that have no medical basis, and which get in the way of participating in activities
• your child is avoiding certain situations
• your child is being clingy around parents or other caregivers
• your child has difficulties concentrating in class or is being very fidgety
• your child appears very self-conscious

Most commonly anxiety disorders are treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is common psychotherapy rooted in the idea that how we think and act both affect how we feel. By learning to change negative thinking and unhealthy actions, children learn to manage their fears, worries, and anxiety. If any of these symptoms are affecting your child’s life, it is time to seek support. Seeking help early for your child is the best thing you can do. To schedule an appointment with an Avenue 360 behavioral health provider, please call (713) 426-0027 or visit avenue360.org.

The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.