My 8 year old has anxiety

[Marnie5]

Hi there,
My son is 8 years old and is having a difficult time being away from us (Mom and Dad). At first it was going to school this year, it lasted about 2 weeks, he said that when we left him, he was afraind something would happen to us. Our good-byes were full of tears and panic. Once in school, he was fine, his teacher stated he was focused and working well. He has a lot of friends and is generally well liked. So time has passed and now school is fine, although he cannot bear the thought of taking his lunch to school, we pick him up every day, which is fine.
BUT...now he is in hockey, his fourth year, and knows all of his teammates and coaches very well, as do we. We are experiencing the same tears and total panic prior to going on the ice. We have never ever left him, we are always at ice level so he can see us. This anxiety does not seem to be passing quite as quickly, but continues to tell us he wants to play. We have had no deaths in the family where he would have experienced any kind of loss, and to my knowledge has not seem anything on t.v. that could cause this.
Generally, he appears unhappy to me, he kind of looks like he is always worrying or his little mind is pre-occupied with something. At what point should I be concerned about his behaviour and what should my next step be. It just breaks my heart to see my sensitive little guy feeling so down.
I would appreciate any insight you can give me, I'm not sure what I am dealing with, if it's "normal" or not.
Thanks!

[margypops]

Could he be needing some more independance, you sound like such caring Parents perhaps you are caring for him too well, by that I mean let go more, let him do things by himself ,take a step back ,you say you have never left him ,there in lies the Crux, maybe you need to , can you go and get a coffee whilst he does his class and practice, maybe it would be good to let him, take some steps by himself.Dont concern if he seems worried maybe your anxiety about him makes him feel worried.

[jdtm]

It is possible that your son is suffering from GAD - generalized anxiety disorder.  Your child is of the age that this disorder often appears.  If anxiety, this problem is an inherited trait and is not caused by any event or trauma or person.  In addition, depression is often co-morbid with anxiety and it is possible that your child is somewhat depressed.  

I might suggest you google phrases as "childhood anxiety" or "generalized anxiety disorder" or "depression in children" or similar phrases to see if the material reminds you of your son.  If so, then please see your family doctor for assistance.  If the doctor is unfamiliar with anxiety, ask for a referral to a specialist with experience in anxiety disorders.  By the way, if anxiety is the issue, your son will not outgrow it nor will it go away.  But, anxiety is highly treatable and the earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the prognosis.  If you think that I might be able to help, please write.  I wish you the best ....