- Is your child afraid whey away from parents? – separation anxiety
- Do they have an extreme fear about something specific? – phobias
- Are they afraid of school or other places where there area a lot of people? – social anxiety
- Are they worried about the future and bad things happening? – generalized anxiety
- Do they have repeated episodes of sudden, unexpected, intense fear) – panic disorder
The CDC estimates 9.4% (5.8 million) kids had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019
Depression and anxiety rates have increased over time. The impact of COVID on the world has caused these rates to double in children and adolescents. Anxiety causes damage to a child’s ability to engage the world. In fear they pull back from others and activities. Each time they avoid things their avoidance is rewarded but so is their guilt and shame. These are complex ideas for children to ponder and they simplify it “I’m bad”, “no one likes me”, and “I’m not good/smart/fast (act..) enough.”
Children with anxiety are commonly misdiagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, or Intermittent Explosive Disorder. It takes a skilled therapist to understand what your child’s symptoms are really communicating. Our therapists are trained to recognize the differences and go through continuing education to use the latest techniques in treating anxiety in children.
In very young children treatment often involves helping parents understand the patterns of anxiety in their child and developing a plan that works for the child and family. Some basic ways to manage anxiety symptoms often include:
- Relaxation techniques
- Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night
- participating in physical activity each day
- heating a healthy, well balanced diet
Our counselors know how to help.
Contact us if you want to learn what your child is trying to communicate and find peace in your home again. Our highly skilled and trained therapists will listen and help you understand what your child needs to get back to the kid they once were. We’ll help your son or daughter learn how to identify what they are feeling, express their needs appropriately, and learn to conquer their fear.
If you are ready to learn how we can help your child, call Psych Associates at 417-414-0333 or schedule your appointment online.