How to Recognize Anxiety in Children: A Guide for Vancouver Parents

As parents, we all want our children to grow up healthy, confident, and emotionally resilient. But what happens when your child starts showing signs of fear, worry, or nervousness that go beyond what seems typical? In a city like Vancouver—where academic pressure, social expectations, and even environmental stressors like the pandemic have left lasting emotional impacts—it’s more important than ever for parents to recognize the signs of anxiety in children early on.

At Compass Clinic, a leading Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver, we often meet families who are unsure whether their child is just “going through a phase” or experiencing something more serious. This guide will help you understand childhood anxiety, recognize its symptoms, and know when and how to seek help.

What Is Childhood Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion—everyone feels nervous or worried at times. However, anxiety becomes a concern when it's intense, persistent, and interferes with a child’s daily functioning. Children may not always have the words to express what they're feeling, so anxiety in kids can look very different from anxiety in adults.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions in children and youth. Fortunately, with early recognition and the right support, anxiety is highly treatable.

Common Types of Anxiety in Children

Understanding the different forms of anxiety can help parents better identify specific concerns. Some of the most common types include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Ongoing worry about many different things—school, health, safety, performance.
• Separation Anxiety Disorder: Fear of being apart from parents or caregivers, often causing school refusal or clinginess.
• Social Anxiety: Extreme fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings; often seen in group settings or at school.
• Specific Phobias: Intense fears about specific things—dogs, heights, the dark, etc.
• Panic Disorder: Sudden episodes of intense fear that include physical symptoms like a racing heart or dizziness.

If your child consistently shows signs of distress in any of these areas, it might be time to consult with a professional at a trusted Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver.

Signs and Symptoms: What to Watch For

Anxiety in children can show up in both physical and emotional ways. Some signs may be subtle, while others may appear as behavioural issues. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Emotional Signs:

• Excessive worry that seems disproportionate to the situation
• Fear of specific scenarios (school, being away from parents, social situations)
• Irritability or frequent crying
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Physical Symptoms:

• Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
• Fatigue or restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Muscle tension or unexplained aches

Behavioural Signs:

• Avoiding certain activities, places, or people
• School refusal or drop in academic performance
• Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
• Reassurance-seeking (asking the same question repeatedly)

These behaviours often go unnoticed or are misinterpreted as defiance, laziness, or attention-seeking. A trained child psychologist can help distinguish between typical developmental behaviours and signs of anxiety. That’s why early assessment at a Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver can make a huge difference.

When to Seek Help

So, when does anxiety warrant professional support?

If your child’s anxiety is:

• Persistent: Lasting for several weeks or more
• Disruptive: Interfering with school, friendships, or family life
• Intense: Causing significant distress, panic attacks, or frequent physical complaints

…it’s time to speak with a mental health professional.

The earlier anxiety is addressed, the better the outcome for the child. At Compass Clinic, our team works closely with families to provide comprehensive assessments and individualized support plans. As a well-regarded Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver, we see firsthand how timely intervention can prevent anxiety from escalating into more serious emotional or academic difficulties.

How Compass Clinic Can Help

Compass Clinic specializes in psychological assessments, including those focused on emotional and behavioural concerns like anxiety. Here’s how we typically support families:

1. Initial Consultation: Understand the child’s history, behaviours, and concerns.
2. Comprehensive Assessment: Use evidence-based tools to evaluate emotional functioning, social development, and behavioural patterns.
3. Personalized Feedback: Provide families with a detailed report and actionable recommendations.
4. Treatment Referrals or Support: If needed, connect families with child therapists, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programs, or school-based supports.

We strive to create a warm, child-friendly environment where kids feel safe to share their thoughts and emotions. As a Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver, we also collaborate with schools, physicians, and other care providers to ensure children receive the holistic care they deserve.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Even before you reach out for professional help, there are ways you can support your child:

• Validate their feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous or scared.
• Practice calming techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises can help.
• Stick to routines: Predictability helps reduce anxiety, especially around bedtime and school.
• Limit exposure to stress: Reduce pressure related to academics, screen time, or over-scheduling.
• Model healthy coping: Children learn how to manage stress by watching how parents respond to challenges.

If you’re unsure about how to implement these strategies or feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a local Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver like Compass Clinic for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing anxiety in children isn’t always easy—but as a parent, you are in the best position to notice early changes in mood, behaviour, or energy levels. The sooner you take action, the better your child’s chances of building strong emotional tools that will benefit them for life.

If you're concerned about your child’s mental health, we invite you to reach out to Compass Clinic. Our team is here to help your family navigate the path to wellness with compassion, expertise, and care. As a trusted Psychology Clinic for Children in Vancouver, we’re committed to supporting children in achieving their full potential—emotionally, socially, and academically.

Interested in learning more or booking an assessment?

Visit Compass Clinic’s website or call us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help your child take their next confident step forward.