Anxiety is becoming the leading mental health disorder among children and teenagers, starting as young as 8 years old. Children are being exposed to so much more in our society, and this is leading to serious emotional and behavioral consequences at home and at school. Anxiety can present differently in children and teenagers compared to adults.
Children might display these common symptoms:
- Lack of concentration
- Racing thoughts
- Irritability (among teenagers)
- Restlessness
- Excessive worry
- Clingy
- Easily startled
- Crying and/or tantrums
- Poor sleep habits
- Excessive headaches and/or stomachaches
Anxiety affects the entire person, including physically, psychologically, and emotionally. This makes it extremely important to focus on the entire child when treating anxiety. Treatment for anxiety has been proven through medication, relaxation skills, mindfulness techniques, and traditional talk therapy. Most importantly, the family and parents need to be involved in the process of treatment to offer guidance and support to their child or teenager.
Many times parents are unsure of how to help their anxious child. Here are some quick tips:
- Find out what is on their mind that is worrying them
- Show you care and understand
- Guide them to possible solutions rather than solving it for them
- Keep things in perspective – most problems are temporary and solvable
- Offer reassurance and comfort
- Role model positive ways of coping with anxiety or worry
- Seek the advice of a professional (doctor, therapist, etc)
Here is a great article about what to do and what not to do with your anxious child:
If any of this applies to your child, please reach out for more information!