Anxiety In Children

By Danielle Rosnov-Castelar, PhD, LLC

Behavioral Health & Wellness Associates of Northern Virginia

. https://bhwaofnova.com/

More Mental Health Articles

Anxiety In Children

Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric issues in children. It is normal, of course, for children to experience anxiety from time to time. Preparing for a difficult test at school, meeting a new babysitter, or getting a shot at the pediatrician's office could understandably trigger some anxious reactions. However, for twenty percent or more of American children the anxiety does not stop there. Many children experience a persistent state of anxiety. Often, this anxiety leads to impaired emotional, behavioral, social, or academic functioning.

I would estimate that more than seventy percent of my current therapy clients are struggling with some form of anxiety. Is it any wonder, given the fast-paced atmosphere we Northern Virginians live in? In addition to biological influences and personality traits, there are a number of environmental factors that seem to contribute to anxiety in the children I work with. First, there are a number of military families in our area. Children are often plagued with worries about their deployed loved ones or have had several job-related relocations. Second, there are a number of dual income households, in which both parents are experiencing work-related stress that spills over into the home.

Third, the academic pressures that our children face are immense. Ninth graders often report staying up until at least midnight on a regular basis in order to complete their homework. First graders really need to be reading at a second or third grade level in order to keep up with their peers.

Lastly, there is pressure for children to be involved in more than one extracurricular activity, often at the same time. Parents must be careful to avoid overscheduling children and to remember that engaging in relaxing activities is a need, not a privilege. The following additional tips are offered to parents

Model and encourage brave

behavior

Establish consistent daily routines and structure

Challenge unhelpful thoughts (e.g., teach your child to shift his/her thinking from “I can't do it” to “If I keep practicing, I'll get better”)

Teach your child that it is okay to be imperfect

Encourage good sleep hygiene

Help your child to problem solve

If you feel that your child may be experiencing an unmanageable degree of anxiety or stress, you should seek help from a licensed mental health professional.