Anxiety options for an 8yr old

amother

Wed, Oct 30 2024, 11:43 am

I can't really deny any longer that my daughter has anxiety. I guess I have been in denial as it isn't a textbook case. When I think of an anxious kid I think of one that wears it on their body at all time.

I know some will say PANDAS but it isn't out of nowhere.

She has always been a more sensitive prone child like crying in sad movies or still missing our dog that past 3 years ago. Even when she sees pictures of her and her siblings as younger children it makes her feel teary of "the good old days." She is 8 for gosh sakes, mothers should cry about these things not kids.
She often remarks that her brain feels different but can't really express what that means. She can do new things but is a bit more reserved. She is not usually up for an adventure like the other kids and does need coaxing but is happy once there.

-She is having trouble sleeping in her own room (I.e. maybe sleeps there 1x every 2 weeks). This is obviously a huge issue.
- Recently in the mornings she has been crying a LOT with a stomache on the way to school but then is fine once school starts.
- Doesn't go out for sleepovers and prefers to be home for playdates.

I am not sure how much it is really affecting her day to day as she is well liked and is usually happy. Maybe she just feels more deeply and is prone to depression.
Should I assume I need to start therapy?