Anxiety can be distressing for children, but there are many treatments available that can help them. They may not be instant fixes, but with time and effort, they can help them find a more balanced lifestyle and a healthier way to cope with their anxiety.
Ideally, kids who are experiencing anxiety should see a mental health professional for an evaluation. However, if the symptoms are mild, it is often more practical to start with a family doctor. They can check to make sure there aren’t any medical issues that might be causing the anxiety, such as thyroid problems or arrhythmias (an irregular heartbeat rhythm).
If your child is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, they will likely have psychotherapy—or talk therapy—with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker. This will involve a thorough evaluation of your child’s symptoms and a discussion about how the anxiety has affected their life. A therapist can teach them techniques to manage their anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been scientifically shown to be effective. They will also show them how to identify negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as practice relaxation techniques. Children can receive individual or group therapy, and they will often be given “homework” to practice what they have learned in sessions.
A therapist can also work with the entire family to address any contributing factors. For example, if your child is anxious about school, they can help you to understand how your own experiences with school and your parenting style might have contributed to their anxiety. They can then teach you how to better support and encourage your child in their schoolwork. They can also give you strategies to help your child relax and calm down before an event, such as by encouraging them to read a book or play a game before taking a test or getting a shot.
One of the most promising treatments for anxiety is exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves exposing your child to the situations that trigger their anxiety in a safe environment, such as petting dogs if they are afraid of them or talking to people if they are afraid of them. This helps them learn that their fears are often not as bad as they think, and it can reduce their anxiety over time.
Another treatment that has been shown to be helpful for children with anxiety is teaching them coping skills. For example, they can be taught to use deep breathing exercises to control their physical symptoms of anxiety, and they can be instructed to focus on positive things about themselves instead of the negative things that worry them. Distress tolerance training can also help to lower your child’s anxiety levels.
It’s important to note that while it is common for children to experience anxiety, it can become a serious problem when it starts to interfere with their daily lives. It’s not always easy to know what to do when your child has severe anxiety, but with the right support and treatment, they can overcome it.