SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Are you a parent struggling to grapple with the fact you robust, high functioning child/adolescent is suddenly exhibiting signs of anxiety?

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Teachers, and Mental Health Professionals,

As children grow and face new experiences, it’s natural for them to encounter occasional worries. However, there are times when children who have never shown signs of anxiety before begin to display unexpected behaviors that may be cause for concern.

These changes can be subtle at first, such as trouble sleeping, frequent stomachaches, a sudden reluctance to go to school, or withdrawal from activities they used to enjoy. You might often hear them ask “what if” questions, seem overly worried about making mistakes, or become unusually clingy. These behaviors, especially when they persist over time, may be early indicators of anxiety.

How sudden anxiety can show up in different age groups:

Younger Children (5–10)

• Increased clinginess or separation anxiety

• New fears (e.g., of the dark, being alone, monsters)

• Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)

• Somatic complaints (stomachaches, headaches)

• Irritability or meltdowns over small things

Tweens & Teens (11–18)

• Withdrawal from family or friends

• Avoidance of school or social situations

• Sudden drop in grades or school refusal

• Changes in sleep or eating habits

• Overthinking, perfectionism, or panic attacks

• Risk-taking or irritability (often masking anxiety)

Triggers can vary widely. A change in routine, academic pressure, social dynamics, or even exposure to distressing news can spark anxious feelings in a child. Sometimes, they may not have the words to express what they’re feeling, so the anxiety shows up through physical symptoms or behavioral shifts.

Possible Triggers for Sudden Anxiety

1. Life Changes or Stressors

• Examples: Divorce, moving, death of a loved one, parental job loss, family conflict.

• Impact: Children absorb family stress and instability even when not directly involved.

2. Academic or Social Pressure

• A sudden increase in school demands, bullying, friendship conflicts, or fear of failure.

• Perfectionistic kids may begin hiding worries until they can't anymore.

3. Trauma or Unsafe Experiences

• Abuse, witnessing violence, or a scary incident (even if it seemed minor to adults).

• Can lead to PTSD-like symptoms, including hypervigilance and avoidance.

4. Health or Neurobiological Changes

• Puberty, hormonal shifts, sleep disturbances, or emerging mental health conditions like OCD, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.

• Also, chronic illness or undiagnosed physical conditions (like PANS/PANDAS) can trigger sudden anxiety symptoms.

  (PANS- Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)

  PANDAS- Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections)

5. Social Media or World Events

• Exposure to frightening news or online interactions (cyberbullying, doomscrolling).

• Adolescents, especially, may internalize global issues (e.g., climate anxiety, war, violence).

6. Academic Transitions

• Moving from elementary to middle school, or middle to high school, can destabilize even well-adjusted kids.

As parents and caregivers, recognizing these signs early allows us to provide support and reassurance. Below are some actions parents, caregivers, and people responsible for a child's well-being can take to counter emerging signs of anxiety.

1. Observe, Don't Assum e

• Track changes gently without jumping to conclusions. Ask open-ended questions like:

  • “I've noticed you've seemed more worried lately. Do you want to talk about it?”

2. Create a Safe, Nonjudgmental Space

• Avoid pressuring them to, must tell you, sometimes the fear is hard to articulate.

• Show warmth and availability, not interrogation.

3. Check for External Stressors

• Consider school, friendships, online life, or recent changes at home.

4. Provide Stability and Routine

• Consistent schedules and predictable expectations help anxious kids regain a sense of control.

5. Consider Professional Help

• If symptoms persist, worsen, or impair functioning, contact a pediatrician, counselor, or therapist specializing in child/adolescent mental health.

Finally, folks, it’s important to remember that anxiety is common and treatable. Early intervention can help children build healthy coping skills that support long-term well-being.

Warm regards,
Sophie Atwood
Child Mental Health Counselor/ Advocate / Educator