Slide 1: Title Slide

Title: Understanding Anxiety in Children & Adolescents

Subtitle: A Guide for Families and Caregivers Presented to: NAMI of Kisii County Presented by: [Your Name] Date: October 26, 2025

Speaker’s Notes: Good evening, everyone. Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today. My name is [Your Name], and I’m honored to be here with the NAMI of Kisii County chapter. As you know, NAMI is an incredible organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Tonight, we’re going to talk about something very common, yet often misunderstood: anxiety in children and adolescents. We’ll discuss what to look for, the different types of anxiety, and what you can do as a caregiver to help. My goal is to empower you with knowledge and empathy.

Slide 2: What is Anxiety?

• Anxiety is a normal human emotion, a “fight or flight” response.
• Anxiety disorders are when worry becomes excessive and disruptive.
• Normal worry vs. a disorder is often about what’s “developmentally appropriate.”
  • A 3-year-old being anxious at daycare is typical.
  • An 8-year-old afraid of a sleepover due to worries about parents is not.

Speaker’s Notes: Let’s start by defining what we mean by anxiety. We all experience it; it’s our body’s natural response to perceived threats. It’s what makes our heart race before a big test or a presentation. For children, it’s normal to feel worried about new things, like the first day of school. However, a child has an anxiety disorder when that worry becomes so intense and persistent that it interferes with their daily life—their school, their friendships, and their family. The DSM-5-TR, which is the guidebook for diagnosing mental health conditions, helps us understand this by considering what’s developmentally appropriate. For example, a young child’s fear of being away from their parents is expected. But when an older child’s fears prevent them from doing normal activities like spending the night with a friend, that’s a red flag that the worry is not just a passing phase.

Slide 3: Types of Anxiety Disorders in Youth

• Separation Anxiety: Excessive worry when away from a parent or caregiver.
• Social Anxiety: Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others.
• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense panic attacks that cause physical symptoms.
• Agoraphobia: Fear of situations or places where escape might be difficult, leading to avoidance.

Speaker’s Notes: The DSM-5-TR outlines several types of anxiety disorders that can affect children and adolescents. Separation anxiety is a common one, where a child has a significant fear of being separated from their primary caregiver. It can manifest as tantrums, stomachaches, or fear that something bad will happen. Social anxiety is a powerful fear of social situations. The median age for this to begin is around 13, and it can stem from a humiliating experience like being bullied. Panic disorder involves unexpected and repeated panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense fear that come with physical symptoms like a pounding heart or shortness of breath. Finally, agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult. An anxious child might not want to leave the house, for example. It’s important to know these different types because they each require a slightly different approach.

Slide 4: Risk Factors & What to Look For

• Behavioral Inhibition: A child who is naturally shy or withdrawn may be at higher risk.
• Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.
• Stressful Life Events: Bullying or a traumatic event can trigger social anxiety.
• Gender: Anxiety disorders are twice as common in females as in males (approximately a 2:1 ratio).
• Early Onset: 75% of individuals with social anxiety have an onset between ages 8 and 15.

Speaker’s Notes: The National Institute of Mental Health and other research points to several risk factors that can make a child more vulnerable to an anxiety disorder. We know that a child who is naturally shy or has behavioral inhibition from a young age is at higher risk. Genetics also play a role, so if a family member has an anxiety disorder, a child may be more predisposed to it. We also know that stressful or humiliating experiences, such as being bullied, can be a direct trigger for the onset of a disorder like social anxiety. It’s also important to be aware that these disorders occur more frequently in females. Recognizing these risk factors and the early onset of symptoms can help us intervene more quickly and get a child the help they need.

Slide 5: Functional Consequences

• Social Impairment: Difficulty making or keeping friends due to fear and isolation.
• Academic Impact: Refusing to go to school or poor performance due to overwhelming worry.
• Physical Health: Chronic stress can lead to physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
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