Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, overwhelming anxiety, worries, fears, or obsessions. There are a variety of different anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, phobias, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, panic, agoraphobia, as well as OCD.

Physically, anxiety shows up in the body as feelings of agitation/restlessness, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, numbness, sweating, and/or heart palpitations. It’s also common for people with anxiety to experience sleep difficulties, particularly going to sleep and staying asleep. Anxiety can also impact a person’s ability to concentrate and pay attention.

Anxiety disorders can cause distress and suffering, and may also impair a person’s ability to function in relationships, at school, and work.

Children at this age don’t have the ability to express themselves verbally and that can make it difficult to understand how they’re feeling. But rest assured, your child is speaking through their behavior, and with a little guidance you can better understand them.

If you’re wondering whether your 0 to 2-year-old child might be showing signs of an anxiety disorder, consider if you’re noticing any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty forming a secure attachment with primary caregivers

• Stress response that is typically more severe than what the situation warrants

• Trouble eating

• Digestive issues

• Sleep disturbances

• Appear sad or withdrawn

Children between the ages of 2 and 6 are beginning to engage with the world around them and interact more dynamically with others.

This is also when they are first able to internalize problems, and when they may begin to show signs of shyness or nervousness within their peers. Of course, these feelings are very typical, and most of us can recall a time in childhood when we felt that way. But if your child is exhibiting some of the signs and symptoms below, it could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder.

• Overly self-consciousness and nervous

• Easily frightened

• Trouble initiating contact with peers and/or adults

• Stress response that is typically more severe than what the situation warrants

• Easily agitated

• Trouble communicating

• Limited eye contact

• Difficulty making and keeping friends

• Sleep disturbances and frequent nightmares

• Trouble eating

• Digestive issues

• Frequent aches and pains

• Not wanting to go to school

• Not wanting to engage with peers

• Low self-confidence

As children enter adolescence, they begin to differentiate themselves.

At these ages, their relationships with their peers become more influential and important. Children this age may carry fears about friends, school, changing bodies, and sometimes family dynamics. But fortunately, they now have the ability to express their feelings to a trusted friend or a caring adult, and practice self-soothing when worries arise. However, if your 6- to 12-year-old child is experiencing some of the signs and symptoms below and cannot get their anxious feelings under control, it’s likely time to seek outside support.

• Preoccupation with “what if” questions (especially regarding things that are unlikely to happen)

• Frequent aches and pains

• Digestive issues

• Picky eating

• Worrying about things in the distant future

• Sleep disturbances and frequent nightmares

• Frequent interpersonal conflict

• Trouble concentrating

• Frequently feeling sad

• Withdrawing from friends and loved ones

• Perfectionism and frequent “people-pleasing” behaviors

• Refusal to participate in expected activities or activities they used to enjoy

• Chronic absenteeism

• Frequently exhibits behavior that disrupts the functioning of the family

• Often requiring excessive coaxing for basic activities like hygiene or homework