Four ways to support a child who has anxiety

Children, just like adults, can have difficulties with their mental health. And while certain mental health conditions are usually diagnosed in young adulthood, some mental health concerns like anxiety disorders can affect children as young as three years old. 

While both children and adults can be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, it’s important to remember that the condition presents differently in different age groups. Just as they have different physical health needs than adults, the same is true for children’s mental health needs. 

What is childhood anxiety?

There are several different types of anxiety disorders that can affect children. But what they all have in common is the presence of excessive worry that interferes with a child’s ability to function in a variety of settings. This worry is considered excessive because it’s out of proportion to the situation at hand and is more severe than the common, day-to-day worry everyone experiences occasionally. 

What are the different types of childhood anxiety?

One of the most important steps in getting help for childhood anxiety is to receive an evaluation from a mental health professional. A therapist who specializes in childhood mental health can meet with you and your child to determine if they have one of the following anxiety disorders.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Children with GAD experience constant, excessive worry about all sorts of things. They often struggle with perfectionist tendencies and seek ongoing reassurance and approval from others.

Panic disorder

Children who have a panic disorder experience sudden panic attacks which appear to come about without a reason. This is followed by an extended period of fear that another attack will occur. 

Separation anxiety disorder

Most children feel anxiety or discomfort when separated from their caregiver from about 18 months to age three, or when they first enter school. But if a child is slightly older and is unable to leave their parent or caregiver, they may be living with separation anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder

A child with social anxiety disorder will experience extreme distress in social or performance situations. This can affect their peer relationships and their academic performance. 

Selective mutism

Children with selective mutism can communicate in some settings (typically at home or wherever they’re most comfortable). But in other situations (like school), their anxiety causes them to be unable to speak or make eye contact.

Specific phobias

A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of something specific. For example, a child may have a specific phobia of an object like an airplane or an animal without having had a negative experience with the object in the past. 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Children with OCD experience intrusive, negative (obsessive) thoughts they cannot control. In turn, they engage in ritualistic (compulsive) behaviors in an attempt to resolve those unwanted thoughts.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children who experience trauma often develop intense fear and anxiety. Some traumatic events that might trigger PTSD in children include an accident or injury, unexpected loss, abuse or neglect, and violence in the home.

What causes anxiety in children?

According to recent reports, childhood anxiety is on the rise. And while there isn’t a singular cause of these disorders, there are some factors that might increase the odds that a child will develop one, including:

• Biological factors: Experts believe that when certain brain chemicals are imbalanced or in short supply, an anxiety disorder is more likely to occur.
• Genetics: Having a close relative (like a sibling or parent) who has an anxiety disorder or other mental health concern may make it more likely that a child will develop one.
• Environmental factors: Research shows that strained family relationships, problems with school or peer relationships, and socioeconomic vulnerability may contribute to the occurrence of anxiety disorders.

What happens if childhood anxiety isn’t treated?

Left untreated, anxiety can have a lasting impact on a child’s development. Living with constant fear and worry can make it difficult to make and keep friends, attend school, and strain family relationships. Simple things like raising a hand in class, talking to a new kid in the neighborhood, or going somewhere new can feel incredibly scary for a child who has an anxiety disorder. 

Research has shown that if left untreated, children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk for poor academic performance, missing out on important social milestones, and engaging in unhealthy substance use. 

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable. With the right support, your child can learn to manage their worry in healthy ways so that they can learn, grow, and thrive at home, school, and beyond.

Four ways parents and caregivers can support a child who has anxiety

If a young person in your life lives with anxiety, there are some things you can do to help.

1. Build a supportive environment: Do what you can to establish consistent routines, give your child a heads-up when there will be a transition, and model healthy lifestyle habits like getting adequate sleep and eating a balanced diet.
2. Teach coping mechanisms: Even preschool-aged children can learn simple breathing exercises to calm their minds and bodies. So look for developmentally appropriate mindfulness and meditation activities you can do together.
3. Practice positive affirmations: Let your child hear you saying something positive to yourself about yourself and encourage them to do the same thing. Give gentle reminders to make these affirmations a daily practice.
4. Seek professional help: If you’ve tried to help your child manage their anxiety but it’s not improving, it might be time to see some outside help. A therapist who specializes in working with children can provide an accurate assessment and create a treatment plan that suits your child’s unique needs. They can also liaise with your child’s teacher or other important adults and talk to you about adding medication to your child’s treatment plan, if appropriate.

Find a therapist who specializes in childhood anxiety with Rula 

If you’re the parent of a child who lives with anxiety, you probably want nothing more than to find the support they need to be a healthier, happier kid. But sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help, especially if you’re new to mental healthcare yourself. 

That’s why the team at Rula is here to make it easier for children and families to get the assistance they need. In just a few seconds, we can connect you with a therapist who specializes in working with children and who takes your insurance. 

We’ll also be there every step of the way to answer your questions, help you set up anxiety therapy appointments, and ensure your child has access to the support they need to heal (including medication management, if necessary). And, our network of over 10,000 therapists means your child can be seen as soon as tomorrow. 

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