Anxiety in Children

Understanding and Managing Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or uncertainty, but for some children, it can become overwhelming and interfere with their daily lives. Understanding the signs and providing support can make a significant difference in helping children manage their anxiety effectively.

Recognizing Anxiety in Children

Children may not always express their feelings of anxiety directly. Instead, they may show signs through their behavior, emotions, or physical symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Emotional signs: Excessive worry, fear, or irritability.
  • Physical symptoms: Stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, or restlessness.
  • Behavioral changes: Avoidance of activities, difficulty concentrating, or meltdowns.
  • Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or frequent nightmares.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Children

Children can experience anxiety for various reasons. Some might include:

  1. School-related stress: Fear of tests, peer pressure, or bullying.
  2. Family issues: Parental conflicts, moving homes, or illness in the family.
  3. Social challenges: Difficulty making friends or fear of social judgment.
  4. Trauma or significant changes: Experiencing a traumatic event or adjusting to a new environment.

Strategies to Support Anxious Children

  1. Open Communication: 
    • Encourage children to share their feelings without fear of judgment. Use open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “What’s on your mind?”
  2. Teach Relaxation Techniques: 
    • Simple breathing exercises (e.g., box breathing), mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation can help children calm their minds and bodies. Check out this helpful progressive muscle relaxation video!
  3. Establish Routines: 
    • Predictable daily schedules can provide a sense of security and reduce uncertainty.
  4. Model Healthy Coping Skills: 
    • Demonstrate how to handle stress calmly and constructively, as children often learn by observing adults.
  5. Limit Exposure to Stressful Media: 
    • Monitor what children watch or read, especially content that might amplify their fears.
  6. Professional Help: 
    • If anxiety becomes severe or persistent, seeking help from a therapist or psychiatric provider can be highly beneficial.

Promote Resilience

Building resilience can help children face challenges with confidence. Encourage activities that foster problem-solving, self-expression, and social connections. Praise their efforts and strengths, reinforcing their ability to overcome difficulties.

Anxiety in children is manageable with understanding, patience, and the right support. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, caregivers can empower children to navigate their feelings and thrive despite challenges. Early intervention and ongoing support are key to helping children lead happy, balanced lives, and bethink is here to help! Contact us at 712.202.2255 or visit www.bethinkhealth.com . Erin Hodgson, PMHNP can help guide you toward the right medication. Stacey Norton-Modrell, LISW or Jennifer Collins, LMHC can help your child by utilizing play therapy, sand tray therapy, EMDR, and/or CBT. We are here for you!