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.
What is Health Anxiety?
Health anxiety, sometimes called illness anxiety disorder, occurs when a child becomes excessively worried about their health, even when there’s no medical evidence to support those fears. It is more than a passing phase or a typical childhood fear; it is persistent, emotionally distressing, and often disruptive to everyday life.
Signs of illness anxiety in children include frequent physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches, excessive health-related questions, and avoiding school or social situations due to fear of germs or getting sick.
Common Signs of Health Anxiety in Children
Some children may express their anxiety directly, while others may show it through behaviors. Look for these signs:
- Constant questioning about illness, symptoms, or death
- Frequent self-checking for symptoms (e.g., asking to take their temperature multiple times a day)
- Refusal to go to school or social events for fear of germs
- Physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches with no medical explanation
- Avoidance of certain foods, people, or places that feel “unsafe”
- Repeatedly seeking reassurance from parents or caregivers
- Excessive time spent Googling symptoms (among older children and teens)
Health anxiety can become a source of stress not just for the child, but for the whole family. Parents often feel unsure whether to comfort, redirect, or worry themselves. You’re not alone, and there are ways to address this effectively.
Common Triggers and Underlying Factors
There are several triggers and underlying factors that may fuel these fears. Some children become anxious after a specific event, such as a hospital visit, an illness in the family, or even hearing about serious health issues on the news. Others may be more vulnerable due to a family history of anxiety or chronic illness. Understanding what causes illness anxiety in kids helps caregivers respond with empathy rather than frustration. Common anxiety triggers include:
- Personal or family illness
- Recent hospitalization or medical trauma
- Family history of anxiety or chronic health conditions
- Hearing about disease outbreaks or emergencies
- Overhearing adult conversations about health or death
For many children, these worries stem from a genuine need to feel safe in a world that sometimes feels unpredictable. Understanding what causes illness anxiety in kids helps us meet them with compassion, not correction.
Communication and Reassurance Strategies
One of the most effective tools you can offer is open, age-appropriate communication. Children often feel better simply by knowing their fears are heard and understood. Start by validating their feelings: “It’s okay to feel worried sometimes.” Then follow with simple, reassuring facts about how the body works and how most illnesses are treatable. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information and try to keep your tone calm and confident. Avoid minimizing or saying things like “You’re fine, don’t worry,” which can make children feel misunderstood.
When talking to anxious kids, it helps to:
- Reassure without dismissing their concerns
- Use clear, age-appropriate language
- Keep explanations short and consistent
- Maintain a calm and comforting tone
Here are some communication tips:
- Keep answers simple and truthful
- Reassure without promising absolute certainty
- You may say something like “most of the time our bodies do a great job keeping us healthy.”
- Stay calm and consistent, even if the questions repeat
- Let them know it’s okay to ask questions but also okay to pause and play
Teaching Coping Skills and Building Resilience
Teaching coping skills is another powerful way to help your child navigate their anxiety. Techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing can calm the body and mind. Encourage healthy distractions when worries arise, such as playing outside, drawing, or reading a book. Keeping a consistent daily routine can also reduce uncertainty, which is often at the root of anxiety. Try incorporating the following:
- Breathing exercises (e.g., “smell the flower, blow out the candle”)
- Mindfulness techniques (like deep belly breathing or “five senses” grounding)
- Movement or physical activity
- Creative outlets like drawing or music
- A daily “worry time” to talk and release fears
- Predictability reduces anxiety, so daily structure is helpful
- Distraction tools, such as puzzles, coloring, or outdoor play
- Keep a “bravery journal,” do small exposure challenges, or use reward charts for coping behavior
When to Seek Additional Support
Health anxiety in children is more common than many people realize, especially in today’s world, where health-related news is everywhere. The good news? With the right tools and support, children can learn to manage their fears and build emotional resilience that will serve them for a lifetime.
If your child’s fears persist for weeks, are getting worse, or are interfering with daily life, it may be time to connect with a mental health professional. Warning signs include:
- Frequent unexplained physical symptoms (e.g., stomachaches, headaches)
- Avoidance of school, sleep, or social activities
- Constant need for reassurance despite repeated answers
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a proven treatment for health-related anxiety in children. It helps them learn to identify anxious thoughts, challenge them, and develop healthier responses. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to an Ellie clinic near you to find a therapist who specializes in child anxiety or pediatric illness anxiety disorder.
Supporting a child with health anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it on your own. If you’re unsure whether your child’s fears are typical or might benefit from support, we’re here to help. If you’re currently working with a therapist, bring up any questions about how to apply these strategies at home. And if you’re not in therapy yet but feel like your child may benefit, reaching out can be a meaningful first step.
Your support matters more than you know. By being a calm, validating presence and offering tools to cope, you’re helping your child build a lifelong foundation for emotional resilience. It’s okay to ask for help along the way; none of us are meant to do this alone.
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is that you’re showing up, listening, and reaching out when you need help. Together, we can help your child feel safe, confident, and equipped to face life’s ups and downs with resilience.
