Anxiety Disorders in Children – Important Information for Parents
If a kid is experiencing excessive fear or stress and it has been ongoing for a lengthy amount of time, he or she is said to have anxiety. In certain kids, the fear or worry only happens in certain circumstances like when they are getting ready for bed or when they are on their way to school. Some kids, though, get worried or are afraid in nearly any circumstance. Sometimes, this worry is normal, but if the kids’ fear or anxiousness gets excessive, it is time for parents to get involved.
How to Determine the Severity of Anxiety in Children
1. Are the worries and fears that your child has the same as the worries and fears of other kids who are the same age?
Certainly all kids go through periods of anxiety that is completely normal. For instance, kids who are three years old or younger are frightened when they are removed from their parents. As kids get older, they might be afraid of snakes, aliens, or strangers. Adolescent kids might be reserved or socially awkward. Parents must analyze their kids’ fears to see if they are proportionate to their age. If they are excessive, an anxiety disorder might need to be addressed.
2. Is your child able to describe his or her feelings?
Typically, kids are not able to describe anxiety. They may not be able to discuss what they are afraid of or why. Parents need to be able to spot changes in their children’s normal regimens and in how they deal with their feelings. Is a child becoming more withdrawn? More clingy? Skipping school?
3. Are the fears or worries persistent?
Most fears and worries that kids have go away fairly quickly. However, if they last for longer than 21 days, then an intervention might need to occur. If they last for longer than three months, it is time to get a professional involved
It is Normal, or is There a Problem?
To determine if the anxiety your child is experiencing is normal, talk to the other kids and adults who spend time with him or her. This can help you spot any changes in your kid’s behavior or they can give you clues to why his or her behavior has changed.
Both kids and grownups have concerns and fears. This is completely normal. When analyzing your child’s fears, you need to decide if it really is something to get concerned about or if you are overreacting. It is important to let your child know that worry and anxiety are normal parts of life and usually resolve themselves. However, sometimes anxiety can take over and it is necessary to get help.
Here are some ways to see if your child’s fears or worries are out of control.
1. The fears are constantly present
If the initial event that triggered the anxiety has been resolved and the anxiety still remains for longer than three months, it is time to get a professional involved.
2. The fears or worries get worse
If an initial bout of anxiety gets worse and leads to physical reactions like throwing up, getting headaches, feeling sick to the stomach, or other symptoms, the situation needs closer attention.
3. The fears or worries are interfering with your child’s life
If the worries or fears are keeping your child from participating in activities he or she used to enjoy, then more attention to the problem is needed.
Every child has different fears or anxieties. One child might be afraid of just one thing. Another child might be scared of a lot of things. Nearly every kid will have these symptoms when he or she is experiencing anxiety.
1. Kids will show extreme worry over a perceived threat or dangerous situation. They might be afraid of getting hurt or losing someone they love.
2. Their breathing will accelerate; they might perspire heavily, feel sick to their stomach, have loose bowels, get a headache, or simply feel uneasy.
3. Children may also cry, be restless, or cling to a parent.
4. Kids who are anxious will go to great lengths to stay away from a situation they find scary. This is a critical sign of anxiety.
What Parents Can Do
Most kids who are anxious think that the world is not safe. This might be because their parents have protected them so much that they think there is something they need to be protected from. If they see their parents when they are stressed, they may become stressed as well, even if they are not sure why. Certainly, the world can be dangerous at times, but no one can go through life under the constant perceived threat of danger. People who live this way cannot possibly enjoy the good moments in their lives. To help your kids, if they are dealing with anxiety, start by listening to their fears. Do not give solutions or tell them that they fears are unfounded. Tell them that sometimes bad things do happen, but that we need to face our fears whenever possible. Of course, this might not be effective all the time and you will need to seek professional help.
Parents just want to do right by their kids. If you are worried about certain behaviors in your kids, you will do them no harm by looking a little closer. Keep in mind that anxiety and fear are both normal parts of growing up. However, if kids begin to display abnormal behaviors in response to these worries or fears, it is good to know that effective treatment is available.