Child and Youth Anxiety

Parents may notice that their child seems nervous or fearful. This may be related to a stressful event, such as performing in a school play or writing an exam. In such situations it is normal for a child to worry or feel nervous. It can even help the child memorise their lines or study longer for a test. Children or teenagers may have a problem, however, if they are frequently nervous or worried and find it hard to cope with any new situation or challenge. Rather than being just “nervous,” the way they feel is better described as being “anxious.” Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry or unease. When the level of anxiety is great enough to interfere with a child or young person’s everyday activities, we call this an Anxiety Disorder. Anxiety disorder is a psychiatric condition that may require medical or psychological treatment.