Overwhelmed by everyday worries and forever limited in terms of time, parents often overlook the child’s anxious tendencies, not noticing that the little one’s fears have turned into something more than that.
Anxiety, which we hear more and more about in recent years, is the condition characterized by exaggerated and unfounded worries about normal situations. This causes a series of physical manifestations such as insomnia, a lump in the throat, restlessness, gastrointestinal problems or panic attacks.
Although adults are the ones who generally complain about anxiety, psychologists advise us to pay attention to the little ones, who can develop anxiety, especially if there is an adult in the family who suffers from this psychiatric disorders.
Anxiety in small doses is normal in children, as it is in adults. Things get complicated, however, when the problem grows and goes beyond the limits of normality, which is why it’s important for parents to take action.
Anxiety can occur in children for a variety of reasons and can be influenced by a combination of biological, genetic, psychological and environmental factors:
There is a genetic component to the development of anxiety, meaning that those children who have family members suffering from anxiety may be more likely to develop it. Also, chemical imbalances in the brain and differences in nervous system response can play a role in anxiety.
Trauma or stressful events in a child’s life, such as the loss of a loved one, parents’ divorce, changing schools, or exposure to violence or abuse, can contribute to the development of anxiety. An unstable or overprotective family environment can also increase the risk of anxiety.
Children with a more sensitive temperament may be more prone to developing anxiety. They may be more alert to danger and have a stronger reaction to stressful situations.
Children can learn to be anxious by observing and imitating the anxious behavior of their parents or significant others in their lives. If a child has a family member who suffers from anxiety and he always behaves fearful, preoccupied or agitated, the little one can learn to have the same reaction, thinking that this is how it is normal to behave, according to doc.ro.
High school requirements, social competition and parental pressure to conform to high standards can contribute to the development of anxiety in children. Children may feel excessive tension when asked to perform well and may end up feeling anxious about assessments or social situations.
It is anxiety when the manifestations are more frequent and severe. For example, it’s okay for a child to be afraid of a dog or to be upset with emotions on the first day of school or if they have an important exam. But if the little one develops a fear of everything – starting from social activities to certain spaces and activities, the child is dealing with anxious tendencies.
Pay attention to the behavior of the little one and, if you notice the following symptoms, you can take into account the diagnosis of anxiety and in this sense you will be able to ask for the advice of a psychological counselor.
First of all, to diagnose anxiety in children, a psychologist is needed. Then, it is important for parents to take into account the recommendations provided by the specialist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective type of psychological therapy to treat anxiety in children. The therapist works with the child to identify anxious thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more adaptive and healthy thoughts and behaviors. Specific techniques used in CBT include cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, and relaxation techniques.
In some cases, medication may be considered to treat anxiety in children, especially when the symptoms are severe and significantly affect the child’s daily life. Prescribed medications may include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other types of anxiolytic medications. The decision to use medication is made after a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional and the associated benefits and risks are considered.
Family support and understanding are essential in managing anxiety in children. Families can encourage open communication, provide a safe and loving environment, promote regular routines, and learn relaxation and stress management techniques that they can apply with their child.
Here are the strategies you can adopt to help your little one fight anxiety:
If you notice the symptoms we’ve discussed above, you’re not shielding your child from future triggers, but you’re also not telling your child in a harsh tone to stop messing around or to stop freaking out for nothing. Rather, try to teach your little one to keep the problem under control; removing anxiety triggers does not help him get rid of anxiety, as his mind will find other sources to trigger his thoughts and worries.
It would be advisable to teach the little one, with the help of the psychologist, to accept his problem and control it. Advise him to breathe properly when he panics, to calm down and remember that he is safe and that nothing bad will happen to him – and if something does, it is important to find solutions.
In the short term, your child will feel better if you stop going shopping because it makes him feel anxious, for example. But in the long run, avoidant behavior does nothing but reinforce anxiety. Anxiety in children is treated with encouragement, clear explanations and the assurance that the parents will be with them in the situation. By helping him face his fears, you will make him understand that his fear is unfounded.
If the little one is afraid, for example, to go by subway and you force him to do it, telling him that he has no reason to be afraid or rushing him, the fear does not disappear, but frustration also appears, because the child he feels misunderstood even by his parents. Rather, reassure your little one that you understand their worries, but at the same time try to give them reassurances about subway travel, telling them that everything is under control and even show them the positive aspects of this mode of transportation .
Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques such as meditation or age-appropriate yoga can help reduce anxiety levels. These techniques can teach children to focus on their breathing and relax in times of stress or anxiety.
Regular exercise, such as walking outdoors, playing active games or sports, can help release built-up tension and energy, helping to reduce anxiety and improve mood. If the child is very energetic like him, a sport like football is useful, but also swimming, which will also improve his breathing capacity.
A diet free of anxiety-increasing foods can contribute to a child’s well-being. Avoid giving him highly processed foods, high in sugar and caffeine, which can affect his energy levels and emotional state (sweet carbonated commercial juices, candies, lollies, etc.), and rather prepare healthy desserts at home, with fruits and honey, not with sugar (homemade ice cream, bars with cereals and nuts, cookies with wholemeal flour, etc.), cites exquis.ro.
2023-10-08 22:44:46
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