Child’s Tantrum as a Manifestation of Fear and Anxiety

Most children will experience outbursts and tantrums from time to time. While this may be a natural part of development, it is generally not meant to happen more often than not. If your mornings are incomplete without your child screaming and refusing to go to school or their behaviors are excessive there may be some cause for concern.

Some children may “shrink” or avoid situations while others may react in overwhelming ways to escape an uncomfortable situation. This type of behavior can easily be misread as anger, a tantrum or opposition. It can look like a lot of things, especially because children have difficulty properly expressing their emotions with words. While outbursts are overwhelming, they may be a result of feeling overwhelmed and/or anxiety. When anxiety is being expressed in a distressful way it can be difficult for adults to recognize.

Understanding Childhood Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is the body’s natural system of warning when there is a perceived danger or threat. It can be perfectly normal to feel anxious in some situations, like before an important test or a visit to the dentist. In children, anxiety can present in a variety of physical, mental and behavioral ways. Anxiety can be tricky, manifesting as inattention, irritability, anger and/or low mood.

The younger a child is the more difficult it can be to identify anxiety. Often, what appears to be your child’s fearful behavior or temper tantrums is not simply a passing stage or willful disobedience. These behaviors could be your child’s way of expressing how uncomfortable or afraid they are. Anxiety is different from common fears that are developmentally appropriate for children.

Anxiety could be the reason your child is afraid to go to school, often complains of vague physical illness and/or refuses to be separated from you. Your child may have an anxiety disorder if their symptoms significantly interfere with daily living. Regardless of the type of anxiety disorder affecting your child, therapy can help.

Seeking Relief Unique for Your Child

If the above-mentioned symptoms apply to your child, it may be best to find a professional who has the knowledge, training and experience in diagnosing and treating anxiety. Anxiety is highly treatable, especially with early intervention.

Search no further than Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. Licensed, independently contracted therapists can develop a treatment plan tailored to the particular needs of your child. Call now to request an appointment and let your therapist help find the root causes of your child’s anxiety. Begin your child and your family’s road to healing, call today.

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