How Do I Help My Anxious Child?

Imagine if, instead of the Serengeti, your child's bedroom was their natural habitat.

Whenever they felt scared or threatened, they would have to hide or confront the danger.

This is what it can feel like for some kids when they experience anxiety. 

For parents, watching their children feel this way can be both heartbreaking and frustrating.

So, what can we do to help our anxious children? Luckily, there are many steps we can take to provide them with the support and care they need.

In this post, we will discuss four of these steps and outline how you can put them into action.

Let's get started:

What Is Anxiety?

Before we can discuss how to help our anxious children, it is important to understand what anxiety is.

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at different times in their life. It is the body's way of responding to stress or danger.

For some people, however, anxiety can become more than just an occasional feeling.

It can become a chronic condition that interferes with their everyday life. This is known as an anxiety disorder.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, but some of the most common include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Separation anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Panic disorder

Anxiety disorders can develop at any age, but they are most common in childhood and adolescence.

It is estimated that around 5% of children and teens suffer from an anxiety disorder.

What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety In Children?

Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, both physical and psychological.

This can make it difficult to spot, especially in young children who may not be able to articulate how they are feeling.

Some common symptoms of anxiety in children include:

• Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or dizziness.
• Psychological symptoms such as fear, worry, or intrusive thoughts.
• Behavioural changes such as avoidance behaviour, clinginess, or tantrums.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentration problems.

If your child is displaying any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

They will be able to assess whether your child's symptoms are due to anxiety or another condition.

What Causes Anxiety In Children?

There is no one single cause of anxiety in children. Instead, it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Some children may be more prone to anxiety due to their genes.

This means that anxiety can run in families. If you or your partner have an anxiety disorder, your child is more likely to develop one as well.

Psychological factors such as stress or trauma can also lead to anxiety. For example, children who have experienced a traumatic event such as bullying or abuse are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder.

Environmental factors such as a change in family circumstances (e.g., divorce, moving house) or exposure to media coverage of traumatic events (e.g., natural disasters, terrorist attacks) can also contribute to anxiety.

How Can I Help My Anxious Child?

If your child is suffering from anxiety, there are many things you can do to help them. Here are four tips:

1. Talk to your child about their anxiety

The first step is to talk to your child about their anxiety. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is important that your child knows they are not alone.

Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help.

2. Help your child understand their anxiety

Anxiety can be a difficult concept for children to understand. Help them to learn about what anxiety is and how it affects the body.

This will help them to understand their own feelings and behaviours.

3. Encourage healthy coping mechanisms

There are many healthy coping mechanisms that can help to reduce anxiety.

These include exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling.

Encourage your child to try out different techniques and find ones that work for them.

4. Seek professional help

If your child's anxiety is severe or impacting their everyday life, it is important to seek professional help.

A therapist can help your child to understand and manage their anxiety.

Anxiety is a common and normal part of childhood. But for some children, it can become a chronic condition that interferes with their everyday life.

If your child is suffering from anxiety, there are many things you can do to help them. These four tips will get you started.

FAQ's:

How can I help my child with anxiety naturally?

There are many natural ways to help your child with anxiety. These include exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling. You can also talk to your child about their anxiety and help them to understand their feelings.

If my child has anxiety, will they need medication?

Not all children with anxiety will need medication. If your child's anxiety is severe or impacting their everyday life, you may want to talk to a doctor about medication options. Otherwise, there are many non-medication treatments that can help your child manage their anxiety.

My child is anxious about school. What can I do?

If your child is anxious about school, there are many things you can do to help them. Talk to their teacher about your child's anxiety and how you are working to help them. You can also encourage your child to try out healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling. If their anxiety is severe, you may also want to seek professional help.

Can a parent cause anxiety in a child?

There is no one cause of anxiety in children. Anxiety can be the result of a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. If you or your partner have an anxiety disorder, your child is more likely to develop one as well. However, it is important to remember that not all children with anxious parents will develop anxiety themselves. There are many other factors that contribute to anxiety.

Related: Does Not Having A Father Affect A Child?

Can yelling at a child cause anxiety?

Yelling at a child can cause anxiety. Children who are constantly yelled at or who witness parental conflict are more likely to develop anxiety. Yelling can also be a sign of underlying parental stress, which can also contribute to anxiety in children. If you find yourself yelling at your child, take a step back and try to calm down. This will help you to avoid adding to your child's anxiety.

Can a child grow out of anxiety?

Many children will grow out of anxiety. However, some children will continue to struggle with anxiety into adulthood. If your child's anxiety is severe or impacting their everyday life, it is important to seek professional help. This will ensure that your child gets the help they need to manage their anxiety.

What should I do if my child is having a panic attack?

If your child is having a panic attack, the first thing you should do is try to stay calm. Help them to focus on their breathing and reassure them that you are there for them. Once they have calmed down, you can talk to them about what happened and how they are feeling. If their panic attacks are frequent or severe, you may want to seek professional help.

What age does anxiety usually start?

Anxiety can start at any age. However, it is most common in childhood and adolescence. If you notice your child starting to experience anxiety, it is important to talk to them about their feelings and help them to understand their emotions. You can also encourage them to try healthy coping mechanisms such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling. If their anxiety is severe, you may also want to seek professional help.

Is anxiety genetic?

Anxiety can be genetic. If you or your partner have an anxiety disorder, your child is more likely to develop one as well. However, it is important to remember that not all children with anxious parents will develop anxiety themselves. There are many other factors that contribute to anxiety.

Wrapping Up:

The good news is that anxiety disorders are highly treatable. If you think your child might have an anxiety disorder, the best thing to do is take them to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment.

There are many different types of therapies available, so it’s important to find one that works well for your child.

Behavioral therapy is often very successful in treating anxiety disorders, but some children also respond well to medication.

With the help of a skilled therapist and/or medication, most anxious children can learn to live happy, productive lives.

Are you struggling with how to help your anxious child? Please reach out for support – there are people who care and want to help. You aren’t alone.