The first step in helping your child overcome anxiety is to understand what causes it. Keeping a log of your child’s anxiety is one way to identify patterns. If you’re concerned that your child is overreacting to certain situations, you may want to speak to a pediatrician, teacher, or caregiver. Taking a closer look at yourself is also a good idea. You might be surprised to learn that there are many things you can do to make your child feel more comfortable around the world.
One approach is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which teaches children to recognize their own anxiety-provoking thoughts and feelings. The treatment involves gradual exposure to situations that trigger anxiety. For example, a child might start by naming a fear that makes them nervous before bedtime. Over time, they may learn to manage this anxiety through altering their bedtime routine. A parent may be the first person they talk to about their child’s anxiety.
Symptoms of child anxiety vary, but the main signs are often the same: children who suffer from generalized anxiety report feeling overwhelmed with worry and cannot function at school, at home, or in social situations. Other children may exhibit physical symptoms, including a fear of dogs or social situations, such as avoiding parties and other activities. Occasionally, a child may also develop a specific phobia. It may even lead to obsessive compulsive behavior.
If your child suffers from excessive anxiety, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Anxiety disorders are usually caused by untreated or undiagnosed childhood fears and may lead to a life-long mental illness. If left untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to depression or substance abuse. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems among children, and the median age at which they begin is 11.
A therapist can help you find a treatment plan that will be effective for your child. A therapist can help you determine the triggers of anxiety symptoms and apply therapy techniques to deal with those feelings. The more frequently you can help your child, the better the results will be. In the meantime, you can reinforce independence and self-esteem in your child, which will reduce future episodes of anxiety. This will also help your child overcome anxiety attacks and other issues linked to the situation.
The first step in finding child anxiety treatment is to talk to a pediatrician. Your child’s symptoms may be due to other medical conditions. It’s best to discuss your concerns with a child psychologist or therapist to get the proper diagnosis. Depending on the severity of the condition, your pediatrician may recommend that you seek treatment from a child therapist. If your child suffers from more severe anxiety, a child psychologist or therapist may be recommended.