08/14/2026
Anxiety in children and adolescents does not always sound like, “I’m worried.”
It may look like irritability before school, repeated stomachaches, difficulty sleeping, perfectionism, avoiding activities they once enjoyed or needing frequent reassurance.
Because these behaviors can resemble defiance, a lack of motivation or physical illness, it is important to consider the pattern rather than one isolated moment. When does it happen? What situations seem to trigger it? How long has it continued? Is it interfering with school, relationships or everyday activities?
Children do not need to reach a crisis before receiving support. Early assessment can help families better understand what is happening and identify strategies that meet the child’s individual needs.
The Center of Hope for Behavioral Health provides individualized behavioral health care for children and families throughout Middle Tennessee. Call 615-756-4898 or visit centerofhopebh.org.