Understanding anxiety

In this video, Dr Andrea Pickering explains what happens in the body and mind when we experience anxiety, as well as the physical responses triggered by our brain’s survival system. She offers practical strategies for managing symptoms and shares how to judge when to seek professional support—particularly if symptoms are persistent, distressing, and begin to interfere with daily life and enjoyment.

Anxiety disorders

There are different types of anxiety disorder. On the surface, they can look and feel similar, making it hard to distinguish one from another. Whatever your child is experiencing, we can help them overcome their challenges and regain control. Types of anxiety disorder include:

• Social anxiety disorder

• Panic disorder

• Phobias

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Separation anxiety

• Agoraphobia

• Stress

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Substance-induced anxiety disorder

Generalised Anxiety Disorder

Children with GAD often experience excessive worry about everyday matters, such as school performance or family issues.

They may find it challenging to relax and may also show physical symptoms like headaches or stomach-aches.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is characterised by sudden and intense episodes of fear, known as panic attacks.

These can include symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or feelings of losing control, often triggered without warning.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety involves an intense fear of social situations, such as speaking in class or attending social events.

Children may avoid activities involving peers or express fear of being judged or embarrassed.

Other types

Separation anxiety: A strong fear of being away from caregivers, leading to excessive attachment or distress during drop-offs at school or other activities.

Phobias: Intense and irrational fears of specific objects or situations, such as dogs, heights, or the dark, often resulting in avoidance behaviour.

What is the difference between fear and anxiety?

There may be overlap in your child experiencing fear or anxiety, making it harder to know when it goes beyond natural and, often helpful, responses to danger. Fear is an emotional response to a real and imminent threat or perceived danger, while anxiety is anticipation of a threat that is not yet present. Fear exists to help us, triggering a fight-or-flight response to remove us from unsafe environments or situations. Anxiety is more often seen in vigilant, cautious, anticipatory or avoidant behaviours in preparation for future danger that may or may not arise.

What causes anxiety in children?

Anxiety in children can arise from a range of factors. Many things can make children feel anxious at different ages. These worries may just stem from the normal worries associated with growing up, or they may be symptoms of an anxiety disorder that could benefit from professional help.

Younger children may experience separation anxiety or social anxiety, while older children may develop anxious feelings due to stress from academic pressures or social relationships.

Some children may be more prone to anxiety due to family history or underlying conditions such as ADHD, autism, or OCD. Identifying and understanding these causes is key to providing effective support and intervention.