Anxiety can appear in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, especially in young clients. While noticeable signs like nervousness or fidgeting are easy to recognize, underlying feelings like insecurity, fear, and sadness often stay hidden. The iceberg model illustrates this by revealing that visible symptoms are just a small part of what lies beneath the surface.
The Anxiety Iceberg poster shows how anxiety goes beyond visible behaviors. It helps uncover hidden feelings and thoughts that may drive certain behaviors. This poster also serves as a reminder for those working with young clients to explore the unseen feelings behind their actions, which can be a first step to addressing them.
Using this poster helps kids and teens build self-awareness and have a better understanding of their feelings. They can pair the poster with activities such as writing, talking through feelings, or mindfulness. Our Coping Skills for Anxiety Handouts Bundle can provide additional information.
Caring adults can use the poster to start helpful conversations about anxiety. They can even set up routines like daily check-ins or calming breathing exercises to further support their child in managing anxiety.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of anxiety worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Beesdo, K., Knappe, S., & Pine, D. S. (2009). Anxiety and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: Developmental issues and implications for DSM-V. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 32(3), 483-524. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2009.06.002
- Kuzujanakis, M. (2020). Anxiety in today’s children and young adults. Gifted Education International, 37(1), 54-66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0261429420934445
- Rapee, R. M., Creswell, C., Kendall, P. C., Pine, D. S., & Waters, A. M. (2023). Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: A summary and overview of the literature. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 168, 104376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2023.104376
