Anxiety in Children and Adolescents
Understanding, recognising and supporting young people with anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common reasons families seek support at Perception Psychology Mackay. In 2020, 6.1% of children in Australia were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder—making it the second most common mental health condition in childhood.
While some anxiety is a normal part of growing up, persistent or intense anxiety can interfere with everyday activities like school, friendships, and family life. Early support can make a significant difference.
Signs of Anxiety in Children and Teens
Children and adolescents may show anxiety through:
- Avoidance (school refusal, task refusal)
- Physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches)
- Irritability, anger, or defiance
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Excessive worry or perfectionism
How Therapy Helps
Our psychologists use evidence-based therapy—including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—to target three key areas:
1. Physical symptoms: Teaching calm body strategies to reduce the fight-or-flight response
2. Thoughts: Helping children reframe unhelpful or fearful thinking
3. Behaviours: Gradual exposure to feared situations to build confidence
Therapy involves both the child and their support network—parents, carers, and schools.
What Parents Can Do
You can begin helping your child today with the following resources:
The BRAVE Program
Free, online CBT-based program for children (ages 3–17) and parents
Access BRAVE →
Raising Children Network
Practical parenting guides for anxiety and wellbeing
Visit raisingchildren.net.au →
Beyond Blue – Healthy Families
Parent-focused tools for supporting child mental health
Visit Healthy Families →
Kids Helpline
Resources and phone/chat support for kids and teens
Visit Kids Helpline →
Helpful Resources:
Videos:
- Fight, Flight, Freeze – What Anxiety Feels Like (YouTube)
- Signs of Anxiety in Children – Beyond Blue
Books:
- Hey Warrior by Karen Young
- The Very Hungry Worry Monster by Lara Ede
- Living With It by Bev Aisbett
Need Support?
If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, contact Perception Psychology Mackay to book an assessment or speak to one of our experienced child and adolescent psychologists.
