It’s normal for children to feel nervous before a big test or uneasy in unfamiliar settings. But when does anxiety go from being a part of normal development to a diagnosable condition that affects your child’s life? Understanding anxiety in kids and teens is key to recognizing when worry, fear, or behavioral problems signal something deeper—like a childhood anxiety disorder.
At Cornerstone Health, we support children and adolescents of all backgrounds with compassionate counseling rooted in clinical expertise. For families seeking care that honors their spiritual values, faith-informed therapy is available as an option, not a requirement.
Not sure if it’s normal worry or something more? Let our trained therapists at Cornerstone Health help you find answers. Contact us today.
What Anxiety Can Look Like in Children and Teens
Anxiety disorders in children don’t always look like we expect. While some anxious children are visibly fearful or withdrawn, others may be irritable, distracted, or report unexplained physical symptoms like headaches or chest pain.
Here are some signs that may point to pediatric anxiety disorders:
- Ongoing excessive worry about school, friendships, or family
- Difficulty concentrating or finishing homework
- Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
- Avoiding school or social situations
- Complaints of stomachaches, muscle tension, or feeling anxious
- Sudden outbursts, irritability, or clinginess
It’s important to know that anxiety symptoms vary by age. Younger children may experience separation anxiety disorder, while teens may be more likely to show signs of social anxiety, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.
When to Seek Help: Understanding Anxiety Disorders in Children
If your child’s anxiety is disrupting their relationships, school performance, or daily routine, it’s time to consult a mental health professional. Left untreated, childhood anxiety can interfere with development and increase the risk factors for major depressive disorder, substance abuse, and other mental disorders later in life.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders and has been supported by numerous randomized controlled trials. This approach helps children reframe negative thought patterns, learn coping skills, and face their fears gradually through exposure.
In some cases, combination treatment using CBT and antidepressant medication, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be recommended. Treatment is always personalized based on the child’s symptoms, family history, and overall needs.
How Play Therapy Helps Kids Heal
Younger children may not have the vocabulary to express what they’re feeling, but they often show us through play. That’s why play therapy for anxiety is one of the most effective tools for younger children who are struggling.
In our dedicated play therapy space, kids can act out scenarios, express big feelings, and process what’s going on inside, without pressure to explain everything in words. Through play, a child therapist observes and helps the child build emotional awareness, develop coping strategies, and increase confidence in a safe environment.
Play therapy can help children who are experiencing anxiety due to family changes, trauma, bullying, school pressure, or spiritual concerns. It’s also an excellent option for children who are sensitive or shy.
Teen Anxiety: Signs and Solutions
Teens’ anxiety can present differently than in younger children. Adolescents may be more likely to isolate, experience panic attacks, or struggle with body image issues, often worsened by social media usage or academic pressure.
If your teen is experiencing persistent worry, trouble sleeping, or intense fear about social situations or performance, adolescent psychiatry or adolescent counseling can help. These services provide tools for self-regulation, emotional expression, and healthy decision-making—all grounded in biblical wisdom and clinical care.
Teens facing affective disorders or extreme depression may also benefit from a treatment plan that includes both therapy and medical care. Our therapists help teens gain resilience, build confidence, and reconnect with their purpose in a supportive, faith-centered space.
Why Early Intervention Matters
It’s easy to hope that a child will “grow out of it,” but early intervention leads to better outcomes in both the short and long term. When families seek care early, cognitive behavioural therapy, behavior therapy, and family therapy can all contribute to long-term healing.
By working with a child’s healthcare provider and mental health team, you can help your child build emotional strength and avoid the functional impairment that can arise from untreated mental health disorders.
Anxiety isn’t a parenting failure; it’s a signal that your child needs support, guidance, and grace. With the right treatment options, your child can thrive, even in the face of anxiety-provoking challenges.
Encouragement for Parents: You’re Not Alone
Anxiety can be overwhelming—not just for kids, but for parents, too. If you’re wondering whether to seek help, remember: reaching out doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you care deeply and want what’s best for your child.
We’re honored to support children, teens, and families in finding emotional wellness and hope. Together, we can help your child feel seen, supported, and ready to take on life with confidence.
Concerned about your child’s anxiety? Schedule a consultation with one of our therapists today.
