Therapist's Video Goes Viral As She Highlights 15 Subtle Ways Children Express Anxiety That Parents Often Overlook
Research indicates that children's anxiety and sadness are on the rise, which is cause for concern.
Childhood anxiety does not always look like worry, and that is exactly why so many parents miss it. A therapist's viral TikTok is getting attention for pointing out the small, easy-to-overlook ways kids may show they are struggling.
In the video, Melissa Griffing highlights 15 subtle signs that can show up as stomach aches, avoidance, or other everyday complaints. The reaction online has been strong, with plenty of viewers saying the examples sounded painfully familiar.
Here is the full story.
Melissa Griffing, LPC, RPT, gained popularity on TikTok after posting 15 subtly expressive forms of anxiety in children that parents frequently miss
momtherapistA growing number of kids are living with anxiety, but several factors keep many from receiving treatment
Keira Burton (not the actual photo)Parents frequently fail to recognize anxiety in children because it can present itself differently in children than it does in adults, despite being one of the most common mental health issues in children and adolescents. Research indicates that children's anxiety and sadness are on the rise, which is cause for concern.
Kids talk about anxiety
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And here are ways they do
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Numbers 1-3
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Numbers 4-6
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Numbers 7-9
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Numbers 10-12
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Numbers 13-15
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The therapist with her family
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To ensure that little ones don't feel overlooked, ignored, or alone, it's crucial to have conversations about mental health and what disorders like anxiety can look like in children.
The entire video, which has received more than a million views, is available for you to watch below
In a subsequent video, Melissa shared advice on how to assist children in overcoming anxiety
In a different video, she suggested that reading books about worry can improve children's ability to identify it
She concluded by offering guidance on how to assist kids who worry too much about everything
The recent viral video featuring a therapist sheds light on a crucial aspect of childhood anxiety that is often overlooked by parents. In this insightful discussion, the therapist emphasizes that children frequently struggle to articulate their feelings of anxiety, leading them to communicate their distress through physical complaints or avoidance behaviors. For instance, a child might say “My tummy hurts” or “I don’t want to go,” which are not just innocent statements but rather significant indicators of their emotional state. This highlights the need for parents to be vigilant and attuned to these subtle cues, as they often reflect deeper anxiety that children may not be able to express in words. Recognizing these signs is essential for fostering a supportive environment that addresses the underlying issues rather than merely responding to the symptoms.
Melissa's observations were praised by viewers, who also shared their own stories in the comments section
Leia_Solo
My tummy hurts
t0astyeggs
When this user was a kid
Nicole Edwards
This user's son uses most of the statements
Mimo
What this commenter's baby says
Kiarah G
Oh my
Denise
In a span of a day
Destiny_pauline
The biggest overlooked one
GlitteryGrime
I'm not hungry
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The anxiety realization
Raya
My stomach hurts
GenXDiva
How do I help?
Clair Groves
This commenter said these a lot
@mama2bubba&beans
There are a lot of people
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Having a much easier time
Kat Norris
Woah
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They're hurting her
Miranda Roberts
This Redditor is already in tears
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My baby every day
The Dark Mother
My legs hurt
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Anxiety can be discomforting, especially for a child in his or her formative years, but with proper identification or diagnosis, this condition can be effectively managed. Most importantly, these children can go about their lives normally.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.
Viewers clearly saw themselves in the comments.
That one hit a nerve.
Some of these comments sound painfully familiar.
After you spot those subtle kid-anxiety signs, see why one person questioned skipping their best friend's virtual wedding. Should I Decline My Best Friends Virtual Wedding Due to Anxiety?
