Common Triggers of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety refers to an emotion characterized by tense feelings and worried thoughts that create physical changes. While anxiety is a natural and normal reaction to stress, when it becomes excessive, chronic, and interrupts daily life, it may be categorized as an anxiety disorder. According to Dr. John Evans, Dr. Anthony Smith, and Dr. Elizabeth Stivers of Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic (serving Leitchfield, KY), anxiety is also a common and natural emotion for children; however, when anxiety evolves into something that interferes with a child’s daily routine, it should be a significant concern.

Common Anxiety Symptoms

The most common symptoms include the following:

• Excessive fear or worry
• Feeling edgy
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Concentrating becomes increasingly challenging
• Sleep issues
• Muscle tension

Common Triggers of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety triggers can and will vary among children. An anxiety trigger in one child may have no impact on another, so parents and caregivers should be mindful of how their children react to specific situations. In addition to unstructured time (like vacations and holidays that disrupt everyday routines), the following offers guidance on the many and varied triggers that may impact a child.

Social Factors That Vary Depending on Age

• Being at a new school
• Graduating to the next grade/level
• Social events, birthday parties
• Making new friends
• Adjustments to peer groups
• Bullying, peer conflict

Pressure to Perform

• Homework
• Academic expectations
• Extracurricular activities
• Exams, quizzes, tests
• Sports

Life Transitions

• Moving to a new location, experiencing frequent moves
• Death of a close relative or friend
• Family changes (i.e., separation or divorce)
• Changes to a child’s home environment

Media Exposure

• Frightening news events or media content
• Excessive screen time or inappropriate online content

Traumatic Experiences

• Accidents or injuries
• Witnessing violence or frightening events
• Natural disasters

Parental Separation/Abandonment

• Starting daycare or school
• Sleepovers or camps
• Parents traveling or being away from home

The Child’s Home Environment

• Family tension/conflict
• Financial stress felt at home
• Parents with anxious parenting styles 

Contact a Leading Pediatrician Serving Leitchfield, KY

Parents and caregivers should seek professional help if a child’s anxiety significantly disrupts their routine or overall life for more than six months. If you're concerned about your child's anxiety, contact Dr. Evans, Dr. Smith, Dr. Stivers, or a staff associate of Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic at (270) 259-5641 or online.