Anxiety is a common mental health concern in children (aged between 8-12 years old), with 7% of Australian children receiving a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder each year. [1]
Anxiety is a leading cause of total disease burden [2] and when left untreated, can lead to long-lasting emotional, social, and financial costs to children, their families, and society. [3] [4] [5] [6]
Although it is important to access support to manage anxiety, only 1 in 5 children with anxiety disorders access effective treatments. [7]
Many families experience challenges when attempting to connect with support services and wait times to see a psychologist in Australia can range between 6 to 12 months.
Signs and symptoms of anxiety in children
Anxiety is a spectrum that runs from general worry to severe and debilitating symptoms. Occasional anxiety does not interfere with everyday functioning and can be helpful, for example, by motivating a child to work towards a goal.
Read more: Understanding anxiety in children
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Mindgardens Neuroscience Network acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the voices of people with lived experience, their carers, families and kinship groups. We recognise the expertise acquired through living with a mental health, drug and alcohol or neurological disorder and acknowledge those who care for people on their recovery journey. We place lived experience at the heart of all that we do.
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