Childhood Anxiety- What is it?
Kids experience anxiety at some point in their lives, making it among the most common mental health problems in both kids and adults.
Young kids who are anxious frequently go unnoticed by parents, teachers, or coaches because they are usually quiet and well-behaved.
Untreated anxiety, sadly, can lead to depression, missed opportunities for work and friendships, and a decreased quality of life.
Kids who experience anxiety may become fearful or worried and become agitated and enraged. Anxiety and trouble sleeping might sometimes manifest physically as symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, or stomachaches.
What causes children to feel anxious?
At different ages, children experience anxiety about various things. Many of these concerns are typical of growing up.
Young children frequently experience separation anxiety between the ages of approximately 6 months and 3 years. When taken from their parents/caregivers, they could grow to cling and start to cry.
Additionally, unusual phobias or fears are frequently developed in young children. However, children may experience anxiety at different points in their lives.
For instance, many kids experience anxiety before exams and tests or when starting a new school. Some kids struggle with social anxiety and may need assistance.
What signs of anxiousness are present in young children?
If your child experiences frequent anxiety, they may:
- Avoid circumstances or difficulties that worry them, such as school refusal.
- suffer from headaches and stomachaches, especially when traveling
- have difficulty sleeping or have frequent nightmares
- worry a lot
- need to be reassured frequently
- desire everything to be flawless and become angry if it's not
Having problems managing worries and fears is one of the critical signs of anxiety disorders. These worrying ideas could make your child feel overburdened.
How to comfort an anxious kid?
There are things parents and other caretakers can do to support a child who is feeling anxiety.
First, discussing your child's anxiety or concerns with them is crucial. Show them you are sympathetic by reassuring them. If the child is old enough, clarifying anxiety and how it affects our body could be beneficial.
Along with listening to your child's fear and anxiety, it's crucial to assist them in finding answers. Make your child try exercising, creating art, journaling, watching a favorite movie, interacting with friends, or cooking and baking. They may feel more at ease after engaging in these activities.
By having fun, unwinding, and laughing, you can assist your child in diverting their attention from their worries—even temporarily. Sports, sewing, and musical instrument playing are excellent for focusing the mind on the present.
Some anxious adolescents and teenagers will require professional and specialized assistance to feel better. A particular diagnosis or treatment may benefit them, such as medication and talking therapy.
When should you seek professional help?
If your child experiences significant, persistent anxiety that is interfering in his/her life, seek help. There are many trained professionals who can help them cope with anxiety, and there are several excellent treatment options that may help them master anxious feelings. Anxiety and Depression Association of America has a directory to help locate professionals in your area.
You can also reach out to local behavioral health facilities or your child’s pediatrician for recommendations.