My son is 6, almost 7. And I think he’s developing anxiety. A few days ago, he woke up saying he didn’t feel well, that his chest hurt. I checked his temp, etc., and he seemed fine otherwise. I felt his chest, and I could feel his heart racing. He laid down for about an hour and was good to go and to play again. Fast forward a few days, I get a call from the school nurse that he isn’t feeling well, that he was complaining of side and chest pain. By the time I picked him up, his chest pain was gone, but his sides still hurt. I took him in to get checked just to be on the safer side, and the Dr basically said he was constipated. No answer on the chest pain tho as all his vitals were great. His teacher just told me that when he started to feel ill that day, they were in the middle of a test. Can kids get anxiety this young? This is only the second time he’s expressed this chest pain to me, so I don’t want to put him on anxiety meds unless he absolutely needs it and it gets worse. Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m a single working mama; dad is absent. I know he’s missing his dad, and wondering why he doesn’t come see him. I don’t know if maybe that plays a part?? Idk. Any suggestions are welcomed!
They can mama, talk to his doctor.
Yes young children can get anxious. Maybe talk to your Dr about this if he/she doesn’t comply with your concerns see someone else.
They definitely can! My 8 year old just got diagnosed with adhd and anxiety, and he got put on something for the anxiety. I’ve known for quite a while that he’s had anxiety. Since a very young age he has always stressed and worried over things that your typical child wouldn’t be concerned about, and he chews his nails and the skin around them very bad when he’s anxious! He also complains of stomach aches quite a bit, and his dr would always blame constipation also. I got him referred to a therapist for adhd and that’s when he finally got diagnosed. I would definitely try to get him referred to a therapist or find a therapist that will see him without a referral.
Ask him what makes his chest not hurt anymore.Also when he starts to feel that work on 1 thing I can see 1 thing I can touch and 1 thing I can smell it will tale his mind off the pain and redirect it and may help get rid of the aneixty
My 6 year old is going through anxiety, it started when all the covid stuff started. Hope you can get answers. We are waiting in a specialist appointment
Yes they can… My daughter started having anxiety attacks in the middle of the night early in the school term. Found out it was because she was being bullied at school. Becoming restless, pretending to be sick to a point where she would instantly become sick as well as stressing over going to school. I saw the signs but just put them down to her being overly dramatic.
Any suggestions on natural anxiety meds that can be used for Anxiety in children?
yes they can my 9yold granson has to go for an op and he is so worried about it
Yep, my daughters anxiety started about 7 years old…she’s fixing to turn 11 and we still battle it 
Yes, I have suffered from an anxiety disorder since I was very young (about 4 or 5). Anxiety can be triggered by trauma, extreme stress, childhood chronic illnesses and etc.
Its not impossible but also the doctor could be right as well, when I am constipated I get stomach and chest pain and the pain also races my heart, so it’s hard to pinpoint if its anxiety or both or just constipation. Of it was constipation it could have just been bad timing.
Tell him to breathe slowly also what helps is cold water drink or put on wrists as well talk to him about how he feels with school work also it could be a panic attack when having one talk to him any thing else as well tell him to breathe slowly and sip on cold water as well when this happens at school the teachers should know that way they can help him have something that is his favorite things and when he has it also helps to calm him down
It can be anxiety, but I would definitely have him check for Type 1 diabetes, my 9 year old granddaughter was doing that and her heart was racing,sweating, loss weight, and my daughter took her to her dr and she had type 1…she will be 17 in July…
Yes anyone can develop anxiety
My son is almost 6, and he started have anxiety at 4 almost 5. Now my daughter is show signs of it too, she will be 4 this year.
yes and even younger
Yes my child has had anxiety since she was 4
Ive had panic attacks since i can remember! First one i recall i was around 5 yrs old
I would also check for a uti. My 8 yr old was like this for 3 months. Pain in the left side of the stomach, hard time breathing especially at school.Turns out she had a UTI.
From a child that had anxiety, yes! I can remember back as far as 4 and being scared and my stomach hurt and crying! Pretty positive that was Anxiety!!!
Yes, my daughter is 8 and has bad anxiety. She’s had it for years 
Yes they can shame on the doctor for not looking more into it. I would teach him how to meditate to see if that will relax him. It also document everything in case you have to go back to the doctor
Anxiety is a fundamental emotion. Like happy or sad. Everyone experiences it
My son started it at about 8 he’s 13 now and has grown out of it for the most part but I will send pics of what I did for him all natural but some kids do need medication
Yes.
But Drs look for the simpler answer as that’s usually correct. If you up his fluid & fiber but it keeps happening, go back and talk to the Dr. If it bothers his studies, see about therapy. They can help him develop tools to help calm himself. 
All people at any age can have feelings. There is an error in the way we view anxiety today: We think we can “get” it in the way we get diseases. Anxiety is a normal feeling that no one manages never to have, nor should they try to avoid it.
Fifty years ago people felt anxious, or depressed, or miserable until they stopped feeling that way and felt another way. Maybe they investigated the cause of certain intractable feelings, which had a tendency to resolve them more quickly. Today, they “have” depression" it can be diagnosed and treated with drugs and/or counseling. Psychotropic medications definitely cut down on the intensity of emotions. We are a quick-fix culture. If we can take pills or a six-week course of CBT we can manage our anxiety for the rest of our lives. Once anxiety became a disorder it was understood that no one “gets over it,” like they might a cold. This is a very convenient shift for pharmaceuticals and minimally trained counselors. Now that feelings are seen as disorders the symptoms can be managed for the rest of our lives and we don’t ever need to figure out why we have them in excess at certain times, nor do we have to think about what changes we might make to our lives to be happier. Yay!
I’m not dismissing the anxiety in anyway but have him checked for allergies- we went thru very very similar thing and allergies were the chest issue tightness & making it harder to breath. Especially during this part of the year in our area. She would also stress & get scared over the chest tightness making things worse too. The side could have been constipation then severe allergies could have been the general not feeling well & chest issues. Head tightness and dry eyes & such could be part of the not feeling well issued too. Worth a thought - was very big deal for us as allergies worsened every year
They say a lot of kids r getting because of the pedemic I’m not say u but it the information that they are getting for covid this is what my kids doc was saying but there are still many other reason to get it
They can yes. Liase with the school express your concerns and monitor. They will know what to do and should offer help
Yes i have had anxiety since i can remember and i am 29 now
Yes. My daughter twirled half her hair off out of anxiety when she was 3.
My 10 year old does. Especially during test times.
Yes he can absolutely have anxiety. But I have something called SVT. It causes my heart to race. Things like constipation and stress can absolutely make it worse. It might be something else to look into. You might want to try something like cutting out sugar and giving him less grains. I find that makes my anxiety worse. I hope you find something that helps for him. Everything is so stressful these days.
Yes. My two year old has separation anxiety and has had it since he was a baby baby.
Could definitely be anxiety. But I would look up more holistic approaches to handle it. And explain it to him. Don’t give him every single detail. But the sooner he learns what it is, the better equipped he will be in self regulating. At this age, it could just be learning to breathe slowly and count to ten to calm down before continuing in what he’s doing. And a reminder- the worst thing that can happen with a test is you fail it. While that’s not good, it’s also not life or death. It doesn’t mean you fail the class or aren’t smart enough. Remind him that he’s learned the information and tests are just the thing that tells teachers if you know the information so they know if they can move on or if they need to go over some things again.
My daughter is going thru the exact same thing. Constipation, chest pain, and I do think it’s also anxiety. She was super constipated and they gave her something to start going to the bathroom. 3 months later she started having chest pain I took her in and they checked her & said she was fine. Nothing to worry about. A month later again with chest pain and also stomach pains sensitive to the touch and sure enough she was super constipated. The doctors didn’t really care I told them about chest pain until I kept going back and they did an EKG and X-rays and she was fine so they said it was nothing. But when I read the discharge papers it did say the constipation could cause chest pain. I did notice that she would get the chest pain a lot when she was taking the bus alone so major anxiety because she didn’t have sister with her. She’d get it at school too and said she would get nervous. So I think all were reasons why she was experiencing all of that. Also talked to someone else whose kid had the same thing and dr did say it was anxiety. Doctors would check for UTI and stuff and she was always okay on that. But she did have one in the past so I say get that checked too.
Get him a weighted blanket I use one along with my 4 year old and my 11 year old. We long then and they help so much.
I started very young an still till this day have really bad anxiety
Ask for the school psychologist to evaluate him to see if he needs an iep or 504 with modifications like taking the test in the office or if he needs to be taken out of the room for a bit. I don’t know if they do ekgs if he’s that young. My son has a heart condition that was detected in his teens because of palpitations. He was born with it but never had issues until older. There are also child psychiatrists and therapists if the issue gets worse. I would start by asking the special ed dept to ask the school psychologist to evaluate him if the anxiety is interfering with his learning. Also make sure the teacher is not making students wait til recess to use the bathroom. It causes habit constipation.
My first memories started at 3 and I’ve have anxiety since I could remember!! I don’t know what it’s like to live a life without anxiety. I’ve been on medications for it since I was 13.
It has been a very tough year for young children , my daughter was having similar symptoms , I called the nurse to talk to her and she said many children per day were coming down to the office because of anxiety and having difficulty adjusting . Hang in there my friend and talk to the pcp
Help him prepare for tests. Add fruits, veggies and lots of water to his diet. Teach him to take a few deep breaths to calm himself.
Have him checked for asthma. That’s how they found mine when I was a kid. I would get chest and side pain. There also could be the chance of anxiety. I have bad anxiety and thinking back on it, all the times my mom took me to the doctor for my heart, it was probably anxiety.
My daughter has anxiety she’s 8 now and I have her in a kinda therapy thing where they teach her how to deal with it and like over come it without medication. Like breathing exercises. And to find 5 things around you you can touch, that is supposed to help you feel grounded and help you calm yourself down. I’d talk to a doctor about it
Try this it’s a great book to work through with your child to help them understand and manage anxiety I’ve just bought it for my 6 year old, hope your little man feels better soon x
Yes definitely possible. My 6 year old complains of “throat drums” and will have panic attacks. We get her completely natural non thc cbd gummies and it helps so much
Yes my daughter use to throw up from a young age and it was always from anxiety.
my kid was being bullied and it caused her a lot of physical pain she was always in with the nurse. The school handled it badly and she ended up taking my advice and defended herself. They gave her suspension, I took her for ice cream.
Her Dr gave her temporary meds to deal with the anxiety. But after it was handled she didn’t need it. It took a lot for her to talk abt too. Maybe see if something else is going on that’s got his nerves acting up?
Yes definitely sounds like it could be anxiety. Ask him what makes him feel better. Something as simple as closing his eyes, focusing and redirecting his mind could help, as well as finding out his triggers if you can. Giving him some natural calming stuff every second day but also help. A trip to a cardiologist might also be a good idea. I have SVT (irregular heart rhythms) and only my cardiologist found it after many unnecessary trips to the ER.
He could be but I’d be getting him thoroughly checked over and get his heart scanned to rule out anything physical first
Maybe get him evaluated through a professional who specializes in this. It is possible that he has anxiety for sure. My son has anxiety and he would say his belly hurt and he didn’t feel well. His chest would hurt too. I took him to a cardiologist and his heart is perfect I also took him to an urologist and she said his belly is fine too. We went to his primary and he said everything looks ok. So we started him in therapy. He also is getting evaluated by maple leaf which specializes in these types of things.id first have him evaluated by someone who specializes in this. Then you can try all natural ways to help him and the school can be on bored. With access to the guidance counselor breath breaks short walks outside etc. Try naturally and if it still affects him then medication may be an option. My son is not medicated but we are heading in that direction the older he is getting. Me I wasn’t medicated and I just started about three months ago and I notice so much change and not living on edge is amazing you do what you feel is best for your child. But I’d rule out medical things first and then I’d talk to the teacher have her observe. Talk to the nurse and guidance while everything is pending. Then when you get a diagnosis ask for a 504 if he is struggling still.
They absolutely can get anxiety that young. Id try talk therapy and teaching him how to meditate before meds at that age but thats just me.
Make sure he’s not getting bullied
My daughter has had anxiety since she was 4, she is about to be 6.
We are very close. Hers is mostly due to the fact that my youngest daughter was a stillborn and it has had such a huge impact on us emotionally. We both seek counseling together separately.
I was told my child had constipation and anxiety due to chest & side/stomach pain & it ended up being her gallbladder going bad. It ruptured once & nearly a second time & she spent 10 days in ICU before they removed it…
& STILL told me it was “anxiety” after all if that…
Yes, my daughter(8) goes through this
First rule out medical conditions
Get a holter monitor reading
I had my first anxiety attack when I was 6
If he gets these attacks during playing time… There might be some arrythmias they settle on their own… Bt to label anxiety u have to exclude cardiac n health issues totally before
My son was doing this two years ago when he was 12. I took him to the cardiologist and they made him wear a monitor for a couple weeks and he had SVT and had to have a procedure to correct it. He has been doing fine ever since. Good luck on finding out.
Yes. I had it starting around age 4 or 5. My daughter too. She’s been complaining of chest pains as well. I’ve been thinking maybe it was reflux, but anxiety had crossed my mind. Maybe I’ll spend more time on that. 
Anyway, bring anxiety up with doc and see if they can recommend a therapist. Try that first to discuss coping mechanisms to employ when his chest hurts, and teach him how to advocate for himself (like ask for help, or ask for a break, ect.) Talk to his teachers as well. So they know to take him seriously when he tells them he needs a break, or he asks for help, or water, or whatever. If after a month or two, you still like the therapist, and everything is going well with employing “calm down techniques”, and asking for help, and working with the school, but the anxiety is still a problem, then you look at medication. No big deal. You’re getting an early start to helping him, and I’m thinking you will all be just fine. Good job, mama! Way to be on top of your baby’s needs!
Absolutely it’s possible. I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety all my life, as far back as I can remember, even at 4 and 5. My youngest son has pretty severe separation anxiety, and he’s only 4. Full on panic attacks happen if I have to leave him with someone else (literally only ever my mom or my sister). He knows and loves them, sees them all the time. He just cannot handle being away from me.
I would take him to a specialist to get medically cleared before automatically assuming anxiety.
Get him checked and persist until the doctor does something.
Absolutely they can and my 8 year old has it and oh my heck it’s the hardest thing to deal with!!! Prayers mama
My son was 10 and diagnosed with a heart condition that mirrors anxiety. It’s called SVT. A simple 3D echo will verify. Push for the echo.
Agree with above as a cardiac nurse. Cardiac issues can be masked by so many symptoms rule out cardiac then address anxiety. It’s extremely possible he has anxiety. I am also a single mom with my kids having an absent father and it’s been very hard on them. Hang in there mama demand to get him checked for your piece of mind and his safety. Doctors can be real difficult about tests sometimes
Oh yes they can get anxiety at that age. I started to get anxiety at the age of 4, I had an accident that had caused my anxiety, then over time my anxiety just started to get worse. I would talk to the Dr about the potential for anxiety and of they come out with he’s fine again other than constipation. I would search for a second opinion.
I was diagnosed with anxiety at 9 so I would think a 6 year old could too
Absolutely they can. My daughter is 7 and explains hers as butterflies in her stomach that won’t stop flying. Anxiety doesn’t discriminate and it’s harder on children because they have a hard time understanding their emotions and how to explain them. Often it comes out to us parents as something is hurting inside.
I’ve had anxiety to the point where I get physically ill since I was 8. So yes, very much so, I still get sick. It’s horrible I hate it something as little as going camping and k owing I won’t have a shower will throw me into a full on puking frenzy. I was very spoiled daddy’s girl, couldn’t even spend the night away with out getting sick. When my dad passed it got way worse. He way my safe place. Now the bathtub and hot water are my best friend.
Yes I’ve been suffering with anxiety since I was 4 years old. I would definitely take him to be diagnosed so he can grt the proper help
Chest pain is no joke, take him to a different doctor.
Make an appointment with a pediatric cardiologist. Only way to know is to rule out all heart defects.
Definitely possible. Also possible that the constipation/gas in there made him think his chest hurt. I just know from experience that feeling, and can understand why a kid might think that their chest hurt. I would follow up tho because the anxiety is for sure a possibility
Yes absolutely! My daughter is 10 now but also felt this way couple yrs back and now! I’ve taught her how to cope and learn breathing techniques. I also learned that Chamomile tea works for her! She never really said she had chest pain until one day last week. Usually it’s just heart palpitations and shaky.
My daughter will be 7 in May, I suffer several severe anxiety disorders and unfortunately daughter has started showing signs too. She was actually 5 when hers started and it started when her Daddy passed away. She’s in therapy which helps at times but sometimes she gets so overwhelmed and anxiety ridden I have to talk her through breathing exercises and of course we always pray together when our anxiety gets bad. I hope your little man gets over this and it’s just a phase.
I’m so sorry that your little one is going through that! My daughter is 13 and had her first full blown anxiety attack the other day and it was very hard to watch, but she has been working through anxiety for most of her life. I would highly recommend a weighted blanket. It has helped our family tremendously.
My daughter started almost a year ago, she was almost 6. Talked to a social worker, had weekly phone appts. They gave me the tools to help my daughter cope with it all. She’s almost 7 now, still has things that trigger it (bees is one-extremely fearful of them), but I know how to approach it.
I have had anxiety since I was his age! Just be patient with him and him lots of cuddles. Teach him some breathing exercises to calm down.
My sons Dr diagnosed him with anxiety at just 3 years old. It’s very possible.
He can most definitely have anxiety 
talk to your pediatrician and look it to a child therapist help him find ways to cope and manage his anxiety that are age appropriate the therapist can help with that to I’m sure. Big hugs you got this momma
I had my first full blown panic attack at the age of 5… I had a really bad first few years of my life though which lead to those panic attacks but yes it is possible.
My son has anxiety since preschool he is now almost 13. He has gotten better about it but it’s still there. Every kid is different his anxiety makes him throw up.
Start with diet. No caffeine. No pork. Less fried foods. Etc. Milk helps. More calcium. Calcium pills if he’s old enough. Or a kids vitamin with calcium. Nature walks to breathe in fresh air. My kid always got nervous about test and failing. Until I told her it always turns out ok.
Always get second opinions from another doctor cause a doctor told me one my one of my sons was just constipated and found out he had cancer. Not saying that your son does but I’m saying it ain’t always what they say.
Hi! My 6 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with anxiety and a mood disorder. She has a counselor and a child pychiatric doctor who prescribes meds. My son who is now 12 was diagnosed with anxiety at 8.
You can get chest pain with constipation
Gas bubbles can get stuck in your chest and cause pain. Ask him if his chest pain gets worse when he takes a deep breath. That’ll tell you if it’s gas or not.
They can get anxiety at any age but it wont be properly diagnosed until over 12 I think it is
My daughter was diagnosed with extreme anxiety at age of 3. it will be okay just get him into play therapy and some things the school can do to help. My daughter has an IEP because she was diagnosed so they can help her work through it at school as well. She was put into the school district preschool so she could get a jump start on helping her and that’s where she got her IEP
Constipation can cause gas, which can cause chest pain. Pain causes heart rate to increase.
I started getting anxiety at 10. I’d wake my mom up in the middle of the night crying because i was afraid to die or afraid of this and that. Very possible he has it. I remember on a field trip when i was around 11 with my mom i got this weird depressed, anxious, heavy chested feeling for no reason, during a fun field trip.
Yes you can most certainly get anxiety that young…and kids with anxiety often have issues with constipation. We have dealt with this since my now 9yo was in kindergarten. She also develops a slight fever (just high enough that the school is required to send her home), belly aches, headaches. All of which is generally relieved by the anxiety resolving except the constipation.
I got lucky that we have an amazing school nurse and she has had amazing teachers who have all worked with her and helped her develop techniques to relieve her anxiety…and we give her extra fiber gummies when she is going thru an anxious period to help prevent the constipation.
Yes it is possible, I would take him back in and speak to his dr., also if he is on any meds please have them look at those as well.
I had anxiety diagnosed at 5!
My sister got it that young. I thought my oldest had it because these chest pains she kept getting, turns out she had a problem with her lungs which was causing her to have problems with her breathing, she got out on a special kind of inhaler she has to take twice in the morning & twice at night & now she rarely gets those pains. She explained it as her chest was tight & it was hard for her to breath, she wouldn’t move cause it would & would just hold her chest
Possible of course but this to me sounds like he needed to just go to the bathroom. My kids always express chest pain when they are constipated.