Helping Children Overcome Anxiety About Getting Sick

While it’s natural for kids to have concerns about germs or illness from time to time, when these fears become excessive, persistent, or start interfering with daily life, it may be a sign of health anxiety.

Understanding the difference between normal worry and health anxiety is an important first step:

• Normal worry: “I hope I don’t catch the flu this week.”
• Excessive worry: “What if this headache is something serious?” asked multiple times a day, even after reassurance or a clean bill of health. Other examples of this is often kids who refuse to leave the home for fear of getting sick, or when the thought of getting sick preoccupies their minds most days.

• Occasional concern, especially during cold and flu season or after someone in the family is unwell, is completely normal. But if your child frequently checks for symptoms, avoids school or social events, or regularly complains of physical issues like stomachaches with no clear medical cause, it may be time to explore additional support.

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• Posted by GPC