When Worry Turns Into Anxiety: How to Know if Your Child Might Need Support
Worry is a normal part of growing up. Children might feel nervous before a test, worry about fitting in with friends, or feel butterflies before joining a new activity. These moments are healthy, expected, and part of learning how to navigate the world. But sometimes, worry grows stronger, stays longer, and becomes harder for a child to manage. When that happens, it may be a sign that anxiety is beginning to take root—and your child might benefit from extra support.
As a parent, noticing this shift can be confusing. You may find yourself wondering: Is this typical? Should I reassure them? Should I step in? Does my child need help? You’re not alone, and asking these questions is often the first step in understanding what your child is experiencing.
Understanding the Difference: Worry vs. Anxiety
Worry is usually tied to a specific situation—and it ends once the situation is over.
Anxiety, however, tends to be:
Persistent or frequent
Hard for a child to control
Felt in the body (tummy aches, headaches, trouble sleeping)
A barrier to everyday activities
For example, a child who worries might say, “I’m nervous about the test tomorrow.” A child who is experiencing anxiety might say, “I’m scared something bad will happen,” refuse to go, or feel physically sick just thinking about it. Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear; it can show up as irritability, perfectionism, anger, or avoidance.
Signs That Worry Is Becoming Anxiety
Every child’s experience is unique, but common signs include:
1. Physical Symptoms
Recurring stomachaches, headaches, nausea, shaking, or difficulty sleeping—especially when linked to specific worries or transitions.
2. Avoidance Behaviors
Refusing to go to school, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or becoming clingy and tearful during transitions.
3. Emotional Outbursts
Meltdowns, irritability, crying, or quick frustration that feels “too big” for the situation.
4. Perfectionism and Fear of Mistakes
Overthinking, procrastinating, or trying to do everything “just right,” often because they fear disappointing others or making a mistake.
5. Repetitive “What If” Thinking
“What if I fail?”
“What if you don’t come back?”
“What if something bad happens?”
When these questions become constant, overwhelming, or paralyzing, anxiety may be at play.
Photo by Karl Fredrickson on Unsplash
How Therapy Can Help Children with Anxiety
Child therapy offers a warm, supportive space where kids can understand their feelings, learn practical tools, and build confidence. At Sunrise Counseling of Dallas, therapists use developmentally appropriate approaches—including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral strategies, creative activities, and family guidance—to meet each child exactly where they are.
Therapy can help your child:
Understand what anxiety feels like and how their brain and body are connected
Build coping skills, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, grounding, and positive self-talk
Face fears gradually through small, supported steps
Strengthen emotional regulation, helping them stay calm in daily challenges
Improve communication so they can express their feelings more clearly
Restore confidence, curiosity, and a sense of safety
For parents, therapy also provides tools to support your child at home. You’ll gain strategies for responding to anxious behaviors, reinforcing progress, and helping your child grow resilient—not fearful.
Anxiety is highly treatable. Many children improve significantly with consistent support, the right skills, and a compassionate guide walking alongside them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my child’s anxiety is “serious enough” for therapy?
If anxiety is affecting daily life—school, friendships, sleep, or your child’s overall happiness—therapy can help. You don’t have to wait for things to get worse.
Will talking about anxiety make it worse for my child?
No. Talking about feelings actually helps kids gain control. Therapy teaches children how to understand and manage anxiety rather than avoid or suppress it.
How long does therapy usually last?
This varies by child, but many families begin noticing improvements within a few months. Your therapist will personalize treatment based on your child’s needs.
Do parents participate in sessions?
Often, yes. Parent involvement is an important part of supporting progress at home, though how much participation depends on the child’s age and comfort.
What types of therapy work best for anxiety?
Play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure-based strategies, and family-centered approaches are commonly used and well-supported by research.
About the Author: Janie English, LPC
Janie English is a dedicated member of the Sunrise Counseling team and a lifelong Dallas resident. She holds a BA and Master’s degrees in Sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas, as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling from Texas Tech University. Janie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with advanced training in Complex Trauma. She is also a certified Special Education teacher and dyslexia instructor.
Janie has extensive experience working with adults, couples, families, children, teens, and older adults. Her clinical background includes supporting clients through anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, learning differences, and major life transitions. When she’s not in the counseling room, Janie enjoys reading, playing pickleball and golf, and spending time with her family and energetic dog.
Ready to Support Your Child? Here’s How to Begin
Reaching out for help is a strong and caring step. If you believe your child may benefit from support:
1. Schedule a Consultation
Reach out to Sunrise Counseling of Dallas to schedule a first appointment. Our team will help you connect with a therapist who is a great fit for your child and family.
2. Ask Questions and Explore Options
We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, and help you understand what to expect from therapy.
Your child doesn’t have to navigate anxiety alone—and you don’t have to either. Support is available, and healing is possible.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your child’s meltdowns, you don’t have to do this alone. Our child therapists can join you in helping your child learn to manage their emotions. .
Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX
Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include: