Almost everyone worries sometimes. Children worry about things they see or hear on the news. They worry about how they look, how smart they are in comparison to others, and whether they are liked by peers. During the spring school semester students worry about tests, failure, year-end grades, and transition to new schools or classes. Feelings of anxiety or uncertainty are normal reactions to stresses that children experience every day.
But some children worry to the point of pain. Their fears and anxiety interfere with family life and normal development. For these anxious youngsters, participation in normal activities creates frightening challenges that dominate their thoughts and emotions.
High levels of anxiety have a direct impact on learning. Excessive anxiety directly interferes with thinking processes such as problem solving and memory. The child develops a distorted view of the world. He or she sees threats and danger where there is none. Warning signs of excessive anxiety in children include sleeping difficulty, clinging/dependent behaviors, need for constant reassurance, unwillingness to try new things, avoidance of social situations, separation issues, and morbid, repetitive fears. Physical symptoms may also occur such as stomach aches and headaches.
There are many ways to treat anxiety and improve the child’s functioning. Parents first need to accept that the child’s fears are very real to him or her. Understanding comes with compassionate listening, support, and encouragement. The anxious child benefits from consistency in discipline strategies and in household routines. Because the child often sets unrealistic personal goals, parents need to model appropriate behaviors by having realistic expectations of the child. Worries about upcoming events can be addressed by helping the child develop plans for dealing with specific situations that might arise. For example, changing schools is difficult for all children. The anxious child can be helped by familiarizing him or her with the new school prior to the start of the school year. Understanding is key; worry about schedules, how lockers work, physical education routines, lunch/snack routines, and getting lost are among the many fears that commonly occur.
When normal strategies and interventions are not enough, individual counseling may be necessary to assist the child in a return to normal, age appropriate levels of anxiety. Cognitive behavior therapy can help pinpoint specific problem areas, teach new thinking strategies, improve relaxation skills, and address underlying deficits in areas such as study skills, test taking, problem solving, self-confidence, and social skills. Evaluations by the child’s physician and mental health consultant are necessary first steps in beginning the counseling process.
For additional information about anxiety or other childhood disorders contact Ramona Hall at 661-222-7332.