I want to understand my child’s anxiety better

Research shows that people who are facing high levels of stress are more prone of returning into a similar state of high stress at the smallest provocation. Anxiety in children is one of the most common problems that children are facing, and depression is sometimes accompanying it. Although children are affected by anxiety disorders, there is often a lack of treatment leading, which then can lead to chronic anxiety as they grow up.  Many adult clients who come in for treatment of anxiety tell me that they have had this since they were a child.  There is a large range of available treatments to treat anxiety disorder, which ranges from taking medication to participating in therapy.

Anxiety may result in a child experiencing worry and fear, which disrupts their regular lives. This could show up in them crying when they have to go to school or refusing to play a sport.  When untreated, anxiety will often persist even after the child has grown up, thereby, it is significant for the parents in identifying the symptoms to make sure that the child will receive the help needed. Empirically, children who received treatment or therapy are most likely to recover completely, or may suffer from less anxiety attacks in their lives. Children can experience panic attacks, general anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress (usually from a traumatic event, such as bullying).

Common triggers for anxiety are events like divorce of parents, change of school, bullying at school, moving houses, which is causing apprehension and worry. If you leave it untreated, your child could be suffering from low self-confidence, and is more likely to be inept socially as having very little or no interest in school works and activities at all. As parents, it is essential to be able to identify the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion that children are experiencing, and it can be hard to distinguish between a normal anxiety level and the one that is abnormal. It is not identified adequately, and not treated, the reasoning and thinking capability of the child, as well as  the learning inclinations will more likely to be impacted.

The symptoms can be psychological and physical, which ranges from nausea, chest pains, and headaches, into excessive uncertainty and fear. The exhibitions of these emotions are more likely to change when the child grows. Through time, the unhealthy anxiety levels may develop into a more serious health condition. You need to notice any of the symptoms and it is better if you would err on the side of caution, and see a doctor, in order for your child to receive the treatment needed. There are many causes of anxiety disorder, and it can be a difficult problem to diagnose as a parent, which is why I suggest consulting with a therapist or medical doctor. Even though it can be hard to determine if your child suffers from anxiety attacks, it is recommended to support them to the best of your capabilities, avoiding getting irritated or being short tempered when they are around.

While uncommon, your child may be suffering from anxiety disorder because of genetic reasons. The common triggers of anxiety include fear to be alone or being scared of the dark. These are actually the reflections of events that already occurred, like being the last one in school for their parents to pick them up or when they have been left in the dark at night at bedtime when they are scared. Anxiety disorder can be treated, please call to set up an appointment, as working with children and treating anxiety are two of my areas of specialty.

To set up an appointment at Long Beach Therapy, please call us at 562-310-9741.