Anxiety in Girls and Gender Diverse Children & Youth

Quick Facts

  • girl sitting on the floor with her head on her kneesAnxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition affecting children and youth in Canada
  • In 2019, 11-19% of adolescents and 9% of children in Canada self-reported symptoms of an anxiety disorder - these numbers reflect a trend of rising rates of anxiety found in the general population overall, when compared to previous years
  • Some anxiety is considered a normal part of the childhood experience, as children encounter new and possibly threatening experiences; however, when a fear is persistent, above average for the particular situation, and limits participation in everyday life, an anxiety disorder may be present
  • Girls are six times more likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder than boys
  • 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are three times as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than their cisgender peers
  • Treatment for anxiety can include psychotherapy, medication therapy, or a combination of both. Learning more about anxiety, using mindfulness techniques, attending a support group, or making lifestyle changes can also be helpful for people experiencing anxiety.  
  • On PEI, people seeking help with anxiety can do so via a primary health care professional, a walk-in clinic or mental health walk-in clinic, or the Mental Health and Addictions phone line (1.833.553.6983)
  • There is support specific to youth and anxiety available (e.g., Bridge the gap, Help my Child, INSIGHT Program, Pediatric Psychology Services, Strongest Families Institute, Student Well-Being Teams/Student Well-Being Mental Health Walk-in Clinics, Triple P Parenting)
  • PEERS Alliance and PEI Transgender Network also offer peer support for gender-diverse youth

The Longer Story

Some anxiety is considered a normal part of childhood development, as children encounter new experiences and react accordingly. New experiences can sometimes feel frightening, after all! Concern comes when someone consistently reacts to situations (both real and perceived) in an anxious manner. When the fear is persistent, above average for the particular situation, and limits participating in everyday life, that is when someone may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. 

In children and youth, this may look like…

  • Frequent and extreme fear of illness and death, both for themselves and their loved ones
  • Worry over social events (preparation, looking a certain way, unsure how to act)
  • Desire to be perfect in school (reaction over minor mistakes could look extreme)
  • Fear of failing (test, performance, letting down peers)
  • Fear of things they cannot control (war, economic disaster, natural disaster)
  • Opting out of experiences because of fear

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition affecting children and youth in Canada. The Canadian Mental Health Association reported that in 2019, between 11% and 19% of adolescents (age 13+) and 9% of Canadian children (age 12 and under) self-reported symptoms of an anxiety disorder. On PEI, 35% of students in grade 7 to grade 12 reported feeling on edge or anxious within a two-week time period, according to the 2023–2024 COMPASS survey, which involved students in grades 7 to 12 at 35 PEI schools.

While COVID-19 has played a role in increasing rates of anxiety among Canadian children and youth, it is difficult to assess whether this is due to the threat of the virus itself or other co-existing social factors. As Statistics Canada reported, despite easing of pandemic restrictions, these rates remain heightened. 

Anxiety in Girls and Gender Diverse Children and Youth

Girls and gender diverse youth and children are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. In fact, girls are six times more likely to develop generalized anxiety disorder than boys. Possible reasons for increased rates of anxiety in girls include “greater exposure to adversity, assault and violence, more loneliness, lower self-esteem, and a greater tendency to ruminate and acknowledge emotional distress” (JAMA Pediatrics). 

As reported in The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are three times as likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder than their cisgender peers. Gender diverse youth live in a tumultuous time, where gender policies are being debated both online and in various levels of government. These debates can cause gender diverse youth to feel unsafe, and these concerns can lead to anxiety. 

Gender diverse youth are also more likely to experience bullying, which can have negative mental health effects. On PEI, according to data reported in the 2023-24 COMPASS survey, 3% of students report being bullied because of their sexual orientation. Another 3% report bullying due to gender identity. 

Study after study shows that when gender-diverse youth are supported at home, risks of suicide, depression, and other mental health conditions (including anxiety) are lowered. Examples of support include:

  • Using correct pronouns and names
  • Helping with financial elements of gender-affirming care
  • Helping with name and gender changes on IDs
  • Researching terminology/educating oneself on topics pertaining to gender diverse individuals
  • Standing up to friends/family/general public who say hurtful or ignorant things against or about gender-diverse people

Treatment Options for Anxiety

Treatment for anxiety may include prescription medication, counselling, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, support groups, and/or mindfulness practices. Someone who has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder may benefit from a combination of treatment methods, incorporating both medication and psychotherapy techniques. 

On PEI, anyone seeking support for anxiety can do so via:


There are also specific programs available to support children and youth experiencing mental health concerns. More information about these services can be found here, under “Mental health services for youth/children”

For gender diverse youth, peer support programs are available via PEERS Alliance  and PEI Transgender Network. 

Sources

Canadian Mental Health Association. (n.d.). CMHA testimony before FEWO: young women and girls mental health study.

Canadian Pediatric Society. (n.d.). Anxiety in children and youth: Part 1 – Diagnosis.

Canadian Women’s Foundation. (n.d.). The Facts about Barriers Girls Face.

Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health. (n.d.). Intro to Mental Health in 2SLGBTQ+ Communities.

Daily Mail UK. (2022). Women are more likely to blame themselves if they fail - while men tend to put their failures down to bad luck, study reveals.

Live Well PEI. (2023). 2022-23 COMPASS Provincial Report.

Mental Health Commission of Canada. (2022). Sexual Minorities and Suicide. [PDF]

PEI Government. (n.d.). Mental Health Support and Services. 

Rainbow Health Ontario. (n.d.).

Statistics Canada. (2022). Study: Bullying victimization among sexually and gender diverse youth in Canada.

Statistics Canada. (2023). Mental disorders and access to mental health care.

The Trevor Project. (2022). 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.

Vaillancourt, T., Madigan, S., Racine, N., Neville, R., & Korczak, D. (2023, May 8). New study shows increases in depression and anxiety symptoms in youth during the pandemic. JAMA Pediatrics. 

Published date: August 2024

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