Feeling anxious from time to time is normal for kids. But when anxiety gets in the way of everyday life, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
What is Childhood Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something. A little anxiety is natural and can even be helpful by motivating kids to study for a test or practice before a game.
But too much anxiety causes problems. An anxious child may struggle with going to school, being apart from parents, sleeping alone, or being in social situations. Physical symptoms like headache, stomachache, and fatigue are also common.
Why Kids Get Anxious
There’s no single cause of childhood anxiety. Some potential contributors are:
- brain chemistry and genetics.
- major life stresses like moving, divorce, or trauma.
- learned behaviors from anxious parents.
- medical conditions like food allergies or asthma.
Whatever the cause, unhealthy anxiety levels can significantly disrupt a child’s life.
Spotting the Signs
How can you tell if a child’s anxiety is cause for concern? Look for:
- persistent worry about routine events.
- avoidance of places or activities.
- physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches.
- trouble sleeping or nightmares.
- irritability and moodiness.
If the anxiety is excessive, persists over time, and interferes with normal routines, it’s time to get help.
Getting Help for Child Anxiety
The first step is to talk to your child’s doctor. They can check for any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance. Seeking help from a mental health professional is often recommended.
Effective treatments usually involve some form of cognitive behavior therapy. The professionals at Aspire Psychological say that this teaches kids to identify anxious thoughts and replace them with more positive thinking patterns.
Counseling and Therapy for Childhood Anxiety
When it comes to professional treatment, there are several options that can help anxious kids. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches. CBT teaches kids to identify and change negative thought patterns that fuel their anxiety. Through CBT, they learn coping techniques like relaxation, breathing exercises, and challenging irrational fears.
Family therapy can also be beneficial, helping the whole family understand anxiety’s roots and develop strategies to support the anxious child at home. For some kids, prescribed medication like anti-anxiety drugs may be recommended alongside therapy, though this is usually viewed as a last resort for severe cases. The key is finding the right personalized treatment plan for your child’s specific needs.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Besides professional treatment, there’s a lot that parents can do at home:
- Practice Patience: Getting upset or punishing anxious behaviors can make things worse. Remain calm and supportive.
- Baby Steps: Gently encourage your child to face fears through step-by-step exposure. Reward brave behavior.
- Perspective Taking: Help your child look at worries more realistically. Are they catastrophizing?
- Active Listening: Let your child vent their worries without dismissing their feelings as unimportant.
- Coping Strategies: Teach calming techniques like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization.
- Close Communication: Keep an open dialogue about your child’s feelings. Check in frequently.
- Building Confidence: Identify your child’s strengths and interests. Celebrate small successes.
- Anxiety-Friendly Home: Minimize stress, chaos, and criticism at home. Make downtime for relaxation.
- Modeling: Kids pick up on parents’ attitudes. Model brave, patient, and resilient behavior yourself.
When to Seek Professional Help
While treatments like cognitive behavior therapy are very effective, childhood anxiety can be stubborn. Don’t hesitate to seek professional support if:
- anxiety significantly disrupts day-to-day functioning.
- symptoms persist for over 4-6 months despite your efforts.
- your child has panic attacks, is self-harming or has suicidal thoughts.
To conclude, getting help early gives kids their best chance at overcoming anxiety and enjoying a childhood with fewer worries.