Does it bother you incessantly to see your child anxious and stressed out in day-to-day affairs? While being anxious or nervous on some occasions is a pretty normal response from anyone, staying anxious with some specific symptoms raises concern among the caretaker. What exactly is this anxiety and how to identify it in your child? Moreover, how can you help your child overcome it like a pro? Read on to unveil the answers to these burning questions.
WHAT IS ANXIETY IN CHILDREN?
Anxiety in children is no more an alien concept since scores of children around the globe experience a traumatic childhood or face many worries and troubles that remain unresolved. These unresolved feelings and fears stick to their minds and turn into an anxiety disorder. Now the anxiety and depression can be in the form of general anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, some phobias or some episodes of panic attacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), almost 7.1% of the children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with anxiety. Think of those who are not diagnosed with it! This is surely a substantial percentage!
While these sound very disturbing, we need to first identify why do such young individuals have to go through a distressing anxiety disorder. Children may become a victim to anxiety if they:
HOW TO IDENTIFY ANXIETY DISORDER IN YOUR CHILD
Anxiety can display itself in both physical and emotional symptoms. Your child might be suffering from anxiety disorder if he or she:
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME ANXIETY?
When we talk about helping your child with anxiety, it does not mean treating it at home altogether. It simply refers to managing it effectively so that gradually the child learns a healthy coping mechanism when faced with this disorder. Of course, a combination of methods is required for eliminating this issue but what can you do as a parent to support your child and calm their nerves down? Let me share some effective ways:
THE BOTTOMLINE
In short, when struck with anxiety, children may display physical or emotional symptoms. As a parent, you must first identify and talk about it to your child in a cordial and understanding way. If helping your child in the ways shared above do not suffice, approach a mental health specialist and get your child treated via cognitive behavior therapy and dietary transformation. With consistent efforts, the child will overcome anxiety and lead a happier life.
Anxiety in children is no more an alien concept since scores of children around the globe experience a traumatic childhood or face many worries and troubles that remain unresolved. These unresolved feelings and fears stick to their minds and turn into an anxiety disorder. Now the anxiety and depression can be in the form of general anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, some phobias or some episodes of panic attacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), almost 7.1% of the children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with anxiety. Think of those who are not diagnosed with it! This is surely a substantial percentage!
While these sound very disturbing, we need to first identify why do such young individuals have to go through a distressing anxiety disorder. Children may become a victim to anxiety if they:
- Witness parental fights and separation
- Experience the death of one or both parents
- Get abused physically or mentally
- Are molested by someone
- Get bullied or neglected
HOW TO IDENTIFY ANXIETY DISORDER IN YOUR CHILD
Anxiety can display itself in both physical and emotional symptoms. Your child might be suffering from anxiety disorder if he or she:
- Finds it hard to sleep or experiences nightmares
- Cries their lungs out in the face of any challenge
- Withdraws from social gatherings
- Prefers to remain reclusive or isolated
- Starts shivering or trembling when under pressure
- Throws tantrums or outburst when restricted from something
- Experiences palpitations and excessive sweating
- Has disruptive behavior, avoids going to school or remains worried
- Talks negatively and has a compromised self-image
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME ANXIETY?
When we talk about helping your child with anxiety, it does not mean treating it at home altogether. It simply refers to managing it effectively so that gradually the child learns a healthy coping mechanism when faced with this disorder. Of course, a combination of methods is required for eliminating this issue but what can you do as a parent to support your child and calm their nerves down? Let me share some effective ways:
- Try breathing exercises like deep belly breathing as elaborated here
- Assure your child that you are with them, hug them and be a good listener when they want to vent out.
- Be non-judgmental; think through your child’s mind to understand them better.
- Set realistic expectations for your child. Do not overwhelm them with unreal expectations like “I don’t want you to trip or fail-ever!” This is very overpowering and stressful for the child.
- Validate your child’s fears and concerns and do not belittle their grievances.
- Meditate with your child and let them know how calming meditation can be for them.
- Display healthy ways of coping with anxiety when you are faced with a stressful situation.
THE BOTTOMLINE
In short, when struck with anxiety, children may display physical or emotional symptoms. As a parent, you must first identify and talk about it to your child in a cordial and understanding way. If helping your child in the ways shared above do not suffice, approach a mental health specialist and get your child treated via cognitive behavior therapy and dietary transformation. With consistent efforts, the child will overcome anxiety and lead a happier life.
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