Anxiety
When Worry Becomes More Than Just a Phase
When Anxiety Disrupts Daily Life in Children and Teens
It’s normal for children and teens to feel nervous before a test or to be shy around new people. But when fear and worry become constant, overwhelming, or disruptive, your child may be struggling with an anxiety disorder. Childhood anxiety is more than “being a worrier.” It can show up as panic attacks, refusal to go to school, constant physical complaints, or extreme outbursts at home.
For some youth, anxiety becomes so severe that it affects every part of life—school, friendships, family relationships, and even physical health. Without treatment, anxiety can escalate into depression, substance use, or long-term mental health challenges.
At Alexander Youth Network, we specialize in helping youth whose anxiety is intense and disruptive, providing the high-level care needed to restore stability and hope.
What to Look For as a Parent
Children show anxiety in different ways. While some symptoms are obvious, others may look like misbehavior, laziness, or defiance. Watch for:
- Constant worry or irrational fears that disrupt daily life
- Refusal to go to school or frequent visits to the nurse for stomachaches or headaches
- Panic attacks, rapid breathing, or difficulty calming down
- Sleep problems or frequent nightmares
- Anger, irritability, or outbursts at home or school
- Avoidance of social situations, friendships, or activities they once enjoyed
- Decline in academic performance or refusal to participate in class
If these behaviors are severe, ongoing, or causing major disruptions at home and school, your child may need a higher level of care.
Why Early Support for Anxiety Matters
- Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in children and adolescents, affecting nearly 11% of youth (ages 3–17) in the U.S. (source from CDC)
- About 80% of children with anxiety disorders do not receive the treatment they need. (source from Child Mind Institute)
- When left untreated, anxiety in childhood is strongly linked to academic struggles, depression, substance use, and higher suicide risk later in life. (source from NIMH)
Early treatment helps children develop coping skills, reduce disruptive behaviors, and improve functioning at home and school. For parents, it means fewer crises, stronger family relationships, and a clearer path forward.
How Alexander Youth Network Treats Anxiety
Our approach combines therapy, psychiatric care, and family involvement to help children manage severe anxiety and reclaim stability. With a full continuum of care, we match each child to the level of support they need:
Residential Treatment
For children whose anxiety has become debilitating, requiring 24/7 care. Our Charlotte Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)and Greensboro Residential Treatment Center (RTC) provides structured therapy, psychiatric services, and family involvement to stabilize children and prepare them for long-term success.
Intensive In-Home Services
For families overwhelmed by anxiety-related disruptions at home. Our therapists work directly in the home to manage crises, strengthen coping strategies, and restore stability in daily life.
Day Treatment
A structured, school-based program that blends academics with intensive mental health services. Day Treatment helps children whose anxiety makes it difficult to succeed in a traditional school environment, providing therapeutic and educational support in one setting.
By tailoring care to each child and family, we help children overcome anxiety in healthy, lasting ways.
If your child’s anxiety feels overwhelming and is disrupting life at home or school, you don’t have to face it alone. Alexander Youth Network provides the specialized, high-level care your family needs.
How to Get Help
Constant Contact Form Embed here…