WorryWiseKids.org | Red Flags for Anxiety: What's Normal, What's Not?

Common Red flags

Demonstrating excessive distress out of proportion to the situation: crying, physical symptoms, sadness, anger, frustration, hopelessness, embarrassment

Easily distressed, or agitated when in a stressful situation
Repetitive reassurance questions, "what if" concerns, inconsolable, won't respond to logical arguments
Headaches, stomachaches, regularly too sick to go to school
Anticipatory anxiety, worrying hours, days, weeks ahead
Disruptions of sleep with difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, difficulty sleeping alone
Perfectionism, self-critical, very high standards that make nothing good enough
Overly-responsible, people pleasing, excessive concern that others are upset with him or her, unnecessary apologizing
Demonstrating excessive avoidance, refuses to participate in expected activities, refusal to attend school
Disruption of child or family functioning, difficulty with going to school, friend's houses, religious activities, family gatherings, errands, vacations
Excessive time spent consoling child about distress with ordinary situations, excessive time coaxing child to do normal activities- homework, hygiene, meals

Brought to you by The Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety.