Tummy Trouble and Tension: The Link Between Anxiety and Stomachaches in Children

Tummy Trouble and Tension: The Link Between Anxiety and Stomachaches in Children

An estimated 10% of children (approximately 5.8 million) were diagnosed with anxiety between 2016 and 2019, and now, five years later, those numbers are estimated to be nearing a soaring 20%.

We know your child's whole health is your highest priority. With anxiety rates on the rise, it's important to know how anxiety presents itself in children and how you can support your child if they're displaying signs.

What Does Anxiety Look Like in Children Today?

Anxiety can present as a feeling of dread, fear or uneasiness, but it's often temporary, manifesting on the day of a big event or before a test at school. However, for people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, the feelings are chronic and, when left untreated, can cause major health issues and progressively worsen.

Here are some ways your child may exhibit signs of anxiety:

• Behavioral symptoms: avoiding situations that make them anxious, clinging to parents or compulsive behaviors such as frequent hand-washing
• Emotional symptoms: excessive worrying, more frequent irritability or having trouble focusing
• Physical symptoms: frequent stomachache complaints, headaches, feeling tired or having difficulty sleeping

The Relationship Between Anxiety and Abdominal Pain in Children

Abdominal pain is one of the most frequent reasons for visits to the ER. A 2020 Australian research study published in the National Library of Medicine examined the prevalence and significance of abdominal pain in participants, following them from birth to 17 years old. The research showed that teen participants with abdominal pain reported higher rates of anxiety and depression, as well as a higher prevalence of being bullied at school and experiencing poorer health than the participants without abdominal pain.

While everyone experiences an occasional upset stomach, it's important to seek care for your child's persistent stomachaches, as there could be an underlying issue. Taking your children's abdominal concerns to heart and helping them find compassionate mental health support when it's needed is crucial and will benefit their long-term health.

Monitor Your Child's Symptoms and Seek Help When Needed

Following some of these tips can give you information to share with your child's physician that can be helpful in planning next steps for their care.

• If they are able, encourage your child to talk about how their day or last few days have been leading up to the pain. Perhaps you'll discover there was a test they felt unprepared for, or maybe they had an argument with a friend at school that led to their symptoms.
• Keep a log of when your child complains of stomachaches. Does it happen at specific times of day? When they eat certain foods?
• Look for ways to ease their symptoms. Is there anything you're able to do that helps minimize their symptoms? Try doing something that helps them calm down and takes their mind off their stomachache, like reading a favorite book, taking a warm bath, or listening to their favorite songs. See if any of these things make a difference in their stomach pain.
• Note any other symptoms that occur with a stomachache. Are there any behavioral or emotional symptoms that happen at or around the same time?
• Validate your child's feelings and let them feel heard.

Whole-Person Health Care for Your Child's Body, Mind and Spirit

Stomachaches are common among children, and it can be easy to overlook a pattern or clue about their cause. But tracking your child's symptoms over time can help you determine if their tummy troubles may be more than meets the eye. If you notice a change in your child's behavior and they're displaying signs of anxiety, our pediatric mental health specialists are ready to help. Find compassionate mental health support and comprehensive treatment options at AdventHealth for Children. To learn more or get connected with a specialist, visit BeAMindleader.com.

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