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Helpline: 03444 775 774 (M-F 10.30-4.30pm)
Text: 07537 416 905

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Children and young people with anxiety

Anxiety in children and young people

According to the NHS, as of 2021, 17% (1 in 6) 6 to 16 year olds experience one or more mental disorders.

Anxiety and uncertainty are a normal part of growing up as children and young people face experiences and challenges that they may not have come across before. However, when these feelings of worry or stress start to creep into the everyday or stop your child from engaging in activities that they used to enjoy, then this may be a sign that they are experiencing anxiety and could use a little extra support.
Please note: Anxiety UK does not provide 1-1 therapy to children or young people under the age of 18.

Advice for caregivers supporting a child with anxiety

  • Acknowledge their feelings, even if they seem ‘over the top’ to an adult.
  • Regulate their physiological responses to anxiety by using calming techniques.
  • Relate to them by connecting emotionally.
  • Reason with them – help them think through their experience and offerguidance.We have a selection of resources that may be helpful for both you and your child here.

Help for students

If you are a student and are feeling the extra pressures that come with studying, being away from home, and meeting new people, we have a range of support available that you may find helpful:

‘Helping your child’ CBT programme

Our ‘Helping your Child’ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based programme is designed to give parents the skills needed to support their child and is suitable for children aged from 5 to 12.

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