Is Your Child Unsettled About Returning to School, or Could It Be Signs of an Anxiety Condition?
Back-to-school season is often an exciting time for children, filled with new outfits, school supplies, and reunions with friends. However, for children with anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder, the prospect of returning to school can be a cause of significant distress.
Clinical psychologist Kari Astley Stephens, Ph.D., notes that the symptoms of anxiety disorders in children may differ from those in adults. Here's how parents can determine whether their child's concerns are typical back-to-school jitters or signs of an anxiety disorder that requires professional attention.
Age-Inappropriate Nervousness
For younger children, some degree of nervousness before school is expected. However, older children should not exhibit the same level of anxiety. Parents should be attentive to their older children's reactions as they approach the start of the school year. Every year presents a transition, but feeling a bit nervous about going back to school is normal at any age.
'What If' Questions Galore
A deluge of 'what if' questions in the days leading up to the first day of school may indicate an anxiety disorder. Children with anxiety tend to seek answers to alleviate their uncertainty. While providing comfort can seem reassuring, it's essential to encourage children to learn to cope with uncertainty by allowing them to wonder sometimes.
Trouble Sleeping
Restlessness and difficulty sleeping can also be indicative of an anxiety disorder. If a child experiences persistent insomnia despite adequate bedtime and a quiet environment, anxiety could be the culprit. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine, minimizing screens before bed, and ensuring the room is conducive to sleep can help improve a child's sleep quality.
Frequent Physical Symptoms
Anxiety triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, causing physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, shaking, and sweating. Children may not always be aware of the emotional roots of these symptoms, which could lead them to believe they are ill. Allowing a child to stay home from school due to these symptoms can reinforce this behavior and worsen anxiety.
Disengagement at School
Children with an anxiety disorder may struggle to engage with their surroundings, particularly in new environments. Parents should take note if their child's teacher reports difficulties with attention, group participation, or forming connections with peers.
Avoidance and Reluctance
Avoiding conversations about school, declining playdates, turning down invitations to birthday parties, or avoiding after-school activities may indicate an anxiety disorder that is impeding social interactions.
Supporting Your Child
If a child is struggling with back-to-school anxiety, it's crucial to offer support and reassurance. Emphasize your understanding of their feelings and celebrate small milestones with encouragement. In cases of persistent and significant anxiety, parents should consider discussing their concerns with a school counselor or seeking referrals to behavioral health resources in their community.
- Although some degree of nervousness before school is expected, an older child who exhibits levels of anxiety similar to a younger one might be showing signs of an anxiety disorder.
- An abundance of 'what if' questions in the days leading to the first day of school could be an indicator of an anxiety disorder, as children with anxiety often seek answers to alleviate their uncertainty.
