Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Mike Robinson
Like adults, children can also suffer from anxiety. Although this is something common, typical of the human being, in some cases anxiety can exceed normal levels. Anxiety in children can be caused by different factors than in adults based on different fears or responses that can be given due to different situations. In this article we are going to delve into childhood anxiety and also offer some tips to parents to help their children.
How do I know that my child has anxiety?
To know if your child has anxiety, you have to know how he responds to different situations. This is because anxiety is characterized by a response that aims to protect us from danger. In this case, the human body reacts cognitively, physiologically, and also behaviorally. A cognitive response is one that focuses the child’s thinking on what causes anxiety . This attention can range from mild concern to outright terror.
The physiological response manifests itself in the body itself as sweating, tremors, increased heart palpitations, muscle tension? a wide variety of situations that you will surely meet. Finally, the behavioral response is one that makes the child act in a different way , for example, he avoids socializing if he is afraid of being humiliated or does not go out at night if he is afraid of the dark.
When does anxiety become a disorder?
As we have mentioned, having some anxiety is normal. Over time, children learn that the darkness in the room is not bad or that exams can be passed if you study, that is, temporary situations that a child can seem like a world until they really realize that they are not serious problems. However, it is important to clarify that excessive anxiety in children occurs quite easily , and this is because it can become a disorder for different reasons that must be known. These are some of the most common situations that can cause this anxiety.
1. Separations
For a child, dealing with a separation from parents can be quite distressing. The attachment that one has to parents from a very young age can lead to the child ending up worrying continuously and, to a great extent, for the well-being of their parents.
2. Phobias
A bad experience of a child can end up causing a phobia . To take another example, a child who feels that he has been bitten by a small dog may experience an animal phobia that, if left untreated, can drag on for the rest of his life.
3. Social problems
Relationships between children are often complicated. Today it is quite common to deal with the issue of bullying in schools, since it represents serious problems for many children that prevents them from relating correctly in the future.
4. Important changes
In addition to the separation of the parents, other important changes such as a family loss, change of city or experiencing some negative situations at home, can cause such anxiety. We must not forget that the events that can cause a child’s anxiety, in addition to being outside, can be found within the family environment itself .
How can parents help overcome their children’s anxiety?
Parents are a fundamental figure when it comes to helping their children overcome these anxiety disorders. In Atlas Psychologists Tres Cantos they recommend this series of tips for parents to not only identify, but also help overcome their children’s anxiety.
1. Find professional help
First of all, the most recommended solution to address the issue of your child’s anxiety is to have professional help . As we can see, this anxiety can be due to different factors and not all children react the same to the same stimuli. As it is a complicated issue for them, communication with parents is not always adequate and, precisely for this reason, it is difficult to find solutions without professional help. Also Read: How To Manage Anxiety
Seek the services of a therapist who has the proper training and experience to treat stride. Help from parents is also vital and must always be complemented with professional help that the therapist can offer.
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2. Communication is important
Communication must flow between parents and their child. Try to understand what fears you have and what are the reasons why you suffer from such anxiety. This communication is just as important, both with the therapist and with the child . Communication with the therapist will not only be limited to knowing the condition and evolution of the child, but also to receiving advice for the care of this. On the other hand, communication between the parents and the child should serve to help him face his fears .
Try to put into practice the advice of the therapist and rationalize as much as possible the problems you may have. Learning that not all dogs bite or that not all people you can socialize with are bad are some of the most common ways to deal with fears and worries.
3. Don’t be in a hurry
Finally, don’t be in a hurry. Trying to recover quickly from the problem is likely to lead to even more anxiety for the child. It is important to set small goals and that your child progresses little by little. Make sure that he never gets discouraged or gives up. Therefore, it is important not only to motivate him, but also to value all the way he has traveled.
These processes are often complicated, but, over time, the results end up coming . Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet. If you follow the professional’s instructions and support your child, over time he will end up leaving behind all those ghosts that haunt him and the anxiety will end up disappearing forever.
