Understanding Anxiety in Children and Adults: What It Is and How Therapy Can Help
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it often goes unnoticed, especially when it presents differently across ages. At Resilient Minds of GA, we believe that understanding anxiety is the first step toward healing. Whether you're navigating anxiety yourself or supporting a child who is struggling, knowledge and compassionate care can make all the difference.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It activates the body's fight-or-flight system, preparing us to respond to threats. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic or intense anxiety can interfere with daily life, impacting work, school, relationships, and physical health.
But here’s the thing: anxiety doesn’t always look the same in everyone.
How Anxiety Appears in Children
Children may not have the language to express what they’re feeling. Instead, anxiety can show up as:
Frequent stomachaches or headaches
Refusal to go to school or participate in activities
Sleep disturbances or nightmares
Excessive worry or perfectionism
Tantrums, meltdowns, or irritability
Trouble separating from caregivers
Often, caregivers might not recognize these behaviors as anxiety, especially if the child isn’t expressing fear directly. That’s where child therapy can play a crucial role, offering a safe space for kids to explore and process their emotions.
How Anxiety Appears in Adults
In adults, anxiety can manifest more subtly but still powerfully:
Chronic overthinking or catastrophizing
Irritability and restlessness
Muscle tension or fatigue
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Avoidance of certain people, places, or tasks
Panic attacks or ongoing feelings of dread
Many adults dismiss these symptoms as “just stress” or feel they should be able to push through. But therapy helps you identify the roots of your anxiety and develop effective tools to manage it.
How Resilient Minds of GA Can Help
At Resilient Minds of GA, we offer individualized, evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and adults. Our licensed clinicians, including new child therapist Claire, create a safe and supportive environment where healing begins.
Our approaches may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Play Therapy for younger children
EMDR for trauma-related anxiety
Mindfulness and self-regulation techniques
Family support and psychoeducation
We believe mental health support should be compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re 5 or 55.
Now Accepting Clients Ages 5+
We’re now welcoming new clients starting at age 5, both in person and virtually across the state of Georgia. If you or your child is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
🕊️ Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services:
📧 admin@resilient-mindsinc.com
📍Serving children, teens, and adults across Georgia.