Child Anxiety

Child anxiety is a problem that can cause a lot of pain and suffering for both the child as well as their entire family. Watching your child struggle with anxiety can be heartbreaking and frustrating, as you see the pain they experience with everyday tasks. Anxiety can make your child feel in a constant state of fear and worry, preventing them from enjoying life to the fullest. It can affect their ability to learn, make friends, and experience new things, limiting their potential and stunting their emotional growth.

Child anxiety is not something to be taken lightly, and it’s important to seek help if you suspect that your child is anxious. With the right support, your child can learn to manage their anxiety and thrive.

Anxiety is one of the most common mood disorders among children and adolescents in the United States, affecting approximately one out of four children. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can actually be beneficial in the right amounts. However, for many children, anxiety can become excessive.

Types of Anxiety in Children

Just like adults, anxiety in children comes in a variety of forms, including:

• Separation Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Food Allergies
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Anxiety Symptoms in Children

Children exhibit anxiety symptoms differently than adults and process the information in their world in a unique way. Some symptoms of child anxiety might include:

• Unusually disruptive behavior at home or school
• A drop in grades or effort with schoolwork
• Difficulty in friendships
• Tantrums or excessive anger at home
• Avoidance of certain people or places

Anxiety Treatment for Children

To treat children with anxiety effectively, we offer different approaches based on the child’s needs:

• Play Therapy
• Art Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Education for parents
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Our child therapy team is well equipped and ready to help you and your child develop a plan to alleviate anxiety symptoms in order to live life to its fullest.

Child Depression

Many children and adolescents struggle with depression at some point in their lives, though many cases go undiagnosed or untreated. Depression in children can have devastating effects on a child’s behavior, school performance, friendships, and family life. Though some symptoms of depression in children and teens are similar to those of adults, they can also exhibit some unique characteristics.

Depression Signs

Some warning signs to look for in your child include:

• Anger or irritability
• Social withdrawal, including loss of interest in spending time with friends
• Increased sensitivity to rejection
• Changes in sleep habits or appetite
• Outbursts, tantrums, or crying
• Difficulty concentrating or falling grades
• Low energy
• Physical complaints, such as stomachaches and headaches
• Self-injurious behaviors, such as cutting
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If your child is experiencing some of these symptoms, there is help available. Our child and adolescent therapy team is available to work with children and parents on finding relief from depression.

Benefits of Child Therapy

Improved coping skills

Child anxiety therapy can help your child develop effective coping skills to manage their anxiety, including relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills.

Increased self-awareness

Therapy can help your child become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can help them identify and manage anxiety triggers.

Better communication

Therapy can improve your child’s ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings more effectively, which can strengthen relationships with family, friends, and teachers.

Improved academic performance

Anxiety can affect a child’s ability to concentrate and learn. Therapy can help your child perform better academically and enjoy learning again.

Increased self-esteem

Seeking counseling for your child’s anxiety can help your child develop a more positive self-image and increase their confidence, which can lead to greater success and fulfillment in all areas of life.

Greater emotional regulation

Therapy can help your child learn how to regulate their emotions in healthy ways, reducing the impact of anxiety on their daily life.

Stronger relationships

By addressing the root causes of anxiety, therapy can help your child build stronger relationships with family, friends, and teachers.

Better quality of life

With the right therapy and support, your child can learn to manage anxiety and enjoy life to the fullest, free from the limitations and constraints that are a result of anxiety.

Avoidance behaviors

Children with anxiety may avoid situations or activities that trigger their anxiety, which can limit their experiences and opportunities for growth.

Physical health problems

Long-term anxiety can contribute to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Addressing Other Conditions that exist alongside Anxiety

Anxiety rarely works in isolation and focusing on the other issues can feel like an uphill battle, but it doesn’t have to be.

Whether your child is struggling with depression, ADHD, or another condition, the right counselor can make all the difference. Our child anxiety counselors address the unique challenges of co-occurring conditions, giving your child the tools and support they need to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

With a compassionate and knowledgeable counselor guiding the way, your child can learn how to navigate the complexities of their condition and build a stronger, more resilient foundation for their future. Don’t let anxiety and co-occurring conditions hold your child back – let us help them thrive.

If your child is experiencing any suicidal thoughts or impulses, please go to your nearest hospital emergency room or call Netcare Access at 614-276-2273.