Is your child a worrier?
By Erica Kardonsky, LCSW
Does your child constantly worry? Is she worried about being late for school every morning, even though she has been on time as long as you can remember? Is he worried about flunking a test, despite having straight A’s? When you don’t answer the phone right away, does she immediately fear the worst has happened? Does your son lose sleep at night, wondering if he’ll make an error during basketball practice, despite doing well? If this sounds familiar, your child may be experiencing anxiety.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is basically a form of stress. It’s a normal feeling that everyone has at some point in their lives. It’s a natural reaction when we perceive danger or a threat. It can cause physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, dizziness, upset stomach, and feeling shaky. These sensations are a result of our body’s fight-or-flight response, which produces a rush of adrenaline in response to “danger”. In people with anxiety, they often perceive danger when it doesn’t really exist
Signs It Might Be More Than “Normal” Worry
Some anxiety can actually be helpful; it can make us motivated to study for a test or do our best during a competition. But some children and adults have anxiety too much of the time. They worry a lot, or feel anxious when it’s not necessary. Their anxiety may get in the way of doing things they like and can make them feel bad about themselves. Children with an anxiety disorder may exhibit the following symptoms:
How to Help Your Child
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help treat anxiety. In CBT, children learn new ways to think and act in situations that cause anxiety. They will learn how to manage stress with coping skills such as relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
If you’re concerned your child’s behavior is more than “normal” worry please reach out for help with a trained professional at Good Therapy San Diego.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is basically a form of stress. It’s a normal feeling that everyone has at some point in their lives. It’s a natural reaction when we perceive danger or a threat. It can cause physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, dizziness, upset stomach, and feeling shaky. These sensations are a result of our body’s fight-or-flight response, which produces a rush of adrenaline in response to “danger”. In people with anxiety, they often perceive danger when it doesn’t really exist
Signs It Might Be More Than “Normal” Worry
Some anxiety can actually be helpful; it can make us motivated to study for a test or do our best during a competition. But some children and adults have anxiety too much of the time. They worry a lot, or feel anxious when it’s not necessary. Their anxiety may get in the way of doing things they like and can make them feel bad about themselves. Children with an anxiety disorder may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Worry more days than not
- Difficulty sleeping,
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritable or agitated
- Somatic symptoms like stomachaches or headaches
- Avoidance
- Crying/Tantrums
- Difficulty with transitions
- Try hard to please others
- High expectations for school work, homework, and sports performance
How to Help Your Child
- Help your child identify the physical symptoms of their anxiety. For example you might say, “You’re having a stomachache because you feel worried about your math test tomorrow”.
- Allow your child to struggle, make mistakes, and try new things.
- Do not permit or reinforce avoidance of anxiety-producing situations.
- Model coping and problem solving in difficult situations.
- Validate his/her anxiety in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. Don’t dismiss it.
Treatment
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help treat anxiety. In CBT, children learn new ways to think and act in situations that cause anxiety. They will learn how to manage stress with coping skills such as relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
If you’re concerned your child’s behavior is more than “normal” worry please reach out for help with a trained professional at Good Therapy San Diego.