Children Won’t Say They Have Anxiety,

They Say ‘My Stomach Hurts!’

By Debi Allison March 30, 2019

As children grow and develop, they experience a number of emotional reactions that they
know are different or even negative feelings, but they haven’t the experience to understand
what they are dealing with. However, they will let us know when something is wrong even
when they aren’t entirely sure of what it is.
While children may look at things differently than we do, giving them a deeper insight into
another outlook on any given situation- they aren’t as educated or self-aware as an adult.
To them, their feelings that are constantly changing and evolving can be confusing, and
putting a definite prognosis on their health isn’t likely. Instead, they will tell us their
symptoms, awaiting our experience and wisdom for help.
However, up until recently, most adults were completely unaware of the prominence of
childhood mental disorders, other than ADHD and the other run of the mill behavioral
issues experienced by children. And even in adulthood, it seems that anxiety isn’t taken as
seriously as it should be, because most people think that anxiety is simply the occurrence
of a normal fear taking hold of us.
But anxiety is much more than that and can be quite consuming for the person dealing with
it.
What child doesn’t have a moment in which they cower behind their parents because it is
dark outside, or because they heard a loud noise? In these situations, the child is anxious,
but rightfully so, leaving no cause for concern. But, in some cases, children can develop an
anxiety disorder which will affect their relationships, their education, and their overall
quality of life.
Recent statistics have shown us that at least 1 out of every 8 children develops an anxiety
disorder. If left untreated, the initial anxiety disorder can transpire into difficulty
maintaining and developing connections with their peers, severe sleep disturbance,
and substance dependency.
Sadly, untreated anxiety can leave your child feeling as though they are worthless, and in
turn they may not excel academically, leaving them short of reaching their full potential.
Depression is often a result of an untreated childhood anxiety disorder as well. So, how can
we make a difference in the outcome of this often tragic scenario?
Learn to pay attention to your child’s cry for help. Sometimes, their expression of anxiety
will be much different than you would expect, so it helps to stay in tune with their triggers.
Look For These Signs:
-Constant stomach aches during stressful
situations
– Agitation
– Restless behavior
– Avoiding people/situations that could even
slightly stress them out
– Meltdowns over slight issues
– Difficulty transitioning
– Extreme perfectionism
– Strange coping mechanisms that could be
considered as self-harm (biting, scratching,
pinching or even the pulling of their own hair)
If you notice your child is constantly stressing, to the point of it intervening in their day to
day activities, seek the help of a trusted therapist. Catching the symptoms early can mean
a better probability for therapeutic intervention, meaning medicine may not even be
necessary. Above all- listen to your child, within reason. Use your better judgment and stay
tuned into your child’s normal behaviors and habits. Doing these simple things can make
all the difference in the world.