Children can experience anxiety in a wide variety of situations. Some of it is normal, but it’s important to understand when your child’s symptoms are serious enough to need treatment from a mental health professional.
Often, kids will have anxieties about things like going to school or making new friends. These are normal worries that will go away over time, with a little reassurance from you. Some kids, however, will have very persistent, uncontrollable anxiety that gets in the way of their daily life and interferes with meeting age-expected expectations. That’s when it may be time to consider talking to a GP or other mental health professional about the possibility of an anxiety disorder.
The good news is that the majority of kids who are diagnosed with anxiety disorders get better with treatment. At Mercy, our behavioral health specialists can show you how to work through your child’s anxiety and manage the symptoms so they can live their lives to the fullest.
Anxiety is an emotion that occurs when the brain perceives a threat. The symptoms of anxiety are designed to protect us, such as the pounding heart and sweaty palms we might feel if we were being chased by a lion (a real danger).
Unfortunately, kids with anxiety disorders can become conditioned to believe that any threatening event or situation is dangerous. That means they might avoid certain activities, such as going to school, because of their fear of being embarrassed or failing. In some cases, the anxiety can be so severe that it stops them from getting the educational experiences they need to thrive in life.
Many parents assume that their child will just “outgrow” the anxiety, but research shows that untreated childhood anxiety is linked to a host of other mental health issues in adulthood, including depression and substance use disorders. Having an anxiety disorder can also affect a child’s social life, academic performance and relationships with others.
Talking about the causes of your child’s anxiety is one of the best ways to help them. Listening actively and validating their feelings are other great tools. Using active listening techniques, such as maintaining eye contact and nodding occasionally, will allow your child to express their concerns without feeling judged or overwhelmed.
It’s also helpful to teach your child strategies to deal with anxiety in everyday life. For example, breathing slowly can help relax the body. Try teaching your child to count to five as they breathe in, and then to count to five as they breath out. Physical touch, such as holding hands or giving a hug, can also promote relaxation and comfort.
Finally, kids can also benefit from routine exercise, healthy sleep habits and social interaction. Talking with your child’s GP or a specialist in children and young people’s mental health is also a great idea, as can the support services available through Medicare rebates for psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. Getting these professionals on board early will help your child to identify their specific needs and find the most effective treatment plan for them.