When your child is anxious, you want to do everything you can to help them deal with their fears. You also need to find the right treatment for them so they can learn how to cope with their anxiety and stop it from getting worse.
It can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s important to get professional help if your child’s anxiety is severe, persistent or interfering with their everyday life. This means talking to your GP, asking the school if they can support your child with their anxiety, or seeking out therapy from a mental health professional.
First, it’s a good idea to get your child to open up about their worries. While you may not always like how they talk about their problems, it’s important to be patient with them and try not to judge them.
Next, let them know that you are there for them, no matter what they are worried about. You can also model healthy ways to deal with anxiety so they can see how to do it too.
You can also make sure that they have plenty of rest and sleep, and encourage them to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This will keep their body strong and their mind clear and can help them cope with their anxiety more effectively.
When they are anxious, it’s also a good idea to spend time together doing activities that relax them and reduce their stress. For example, doing yoga or playing a game of tennis can help them feel more calm and focused, while listening to music can also be beneficial.
In addition, it can be helpful to create a daily ritual called worry time where you can talk to your child about their worries. This can be a great way to build a healthy relationship with them and a way to work through their problems.
If your child is in the early stages of anxiety, a course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective and can improve their symptoms within weeks or months. CBT helps children understand what causes their fears, teach them relaxation techniques and practice problem-solving skills.
A child who is not progressing with CBT might need anti-anxiety medication, which can be very effective. However, these drugs come with risks and should be used only under the guidance of a professional, so it’s important to discuss these options with your child’s doctor.
Anxiety is not just a normal part of childhood, it’s actually a very common problem. In fact, research shows that about one in five kids will suffer from some form of anxiety.
There is no single treatment for all children with anxiety, but the most effective treatments are a combination of therapy and medication. Your child’s therapeutic team will create a customized plan for their needs and goals.
You will be their biggest advocate and most vocal during their treatment, so it’s a good idea to be as supportive as possible. This will help your child feel more confident and secure.