Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db473.pdf

Anxiety, my friend, is like having a flock of butterflies in your tummy but on steroids. It’s that feeling of worry, fear, or unease that can make your heart race and your mind spin like a tilt-a-whirl. Now, let’s see how anxiety likes to put on its show in kids:

1. Worries that stick like glue: Kids with anxiety might have worries that cling to them like peanut butter on a sandwich. Whether it’s about school, friendships, or even everyday activities, those worries can take hold and refuse to let go.
2. The great “What if?” parade: Anxiety loves to throw a big “What if?” party in kids’ minds. They start imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios. “What if I fail the test?” “What if nobody likes me?” It’s like their imagination goes into overdrive, and the worries become a never-ending loop.
3. Anxiety can turn even the calmest kid into a bundle of nerves. They might fidget, tap their feet, or even have trouble sitting still. It’s like they’re trying to shake off those anxious feelings, but it’s not so easy.
4. Kids with anxiety sometimes do the “avoidance shuffle.” They might avoid certain situations or activities that trigger their anxiety. It’s like their brain hits the panic button, and they try to steer clear of anything that makes them feel uncomfortable or scared.
5. Anxiety can be a sneaky thief that steals peaceful nights of sleep. Kids might struggle to fall asleep, wake up frequently, or have restless nights filled with anxious dreams. It’s like their minds just won’t take a break.
6. Anxiety can come with a team of sidekicks, like tummyaches, headaches, or even dizziness. It’s like anxiety throws a little party in their bodies and invites all these physical symptoms along for the ride.
7. In some cases, anxiety can trigger intense panic attacks in kids. It’s like their body goes into overdrive, and they experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom.

So, what causes anxiety in kids?

• Personality plays a part. Some kids are just wired to be anxiety-prone. Maybe they’re super cautious or worrywarts from birth. It’s like their brains are a little extra sensitive to the anxiety bug.
• Genetics. Yeah, it’s like playing a game of DNA roulette. If anxiety disorders run in the family, your kid might be carrying that anxiety torch. Blame it on the genes!
• Life experiences can also crank up the anxiety volume. Losing a loved one, dealing with a major illness, or going through a traumatic experience—these things can trigger anxiety in kids.
• Brain chemistry. Some scientists think that imbalances in certain brain chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, can stir up anxiety. It’s like the brain is trying to play a symphony, but the conductor is a bit wonky. Gotta get those chemicals back in harmony!

Now, here are some stats. Did you know that anxiety disorders are the kings and queens of mental health disorders in kids and teens? Around 31.9% of kids between 3 and 17 have danced with an anxiety disorder at some point. It’s like a party that no one wants an invitation to! And here’s a jaw-dropper: anxiety disorders have been on the rise lately. Between 2003 and 2017, there was a whopping 23% increase in anxiety disorders among kids. It’s like anxiety decided to take a victory lap around the playground.

Now, let’s talk about some cool tricks to bring down anxiety levels in kids.

Exercise is like a magic potion for anxiety. It’s like giving anxiety a one-two punch! When those kiddos get moving, their brains release these awesome chemicals called endorphins. It’s like a mood-boosting superhero squad! Plus, exercise helps them sleep better, and well-rested kids are anxiety’s worst enemy.

Relaxation techniques are like secret weapons against anxiety. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are like Jedi mind tricks for their little minds. They teach kids how to find their Zen, even when the world feels a bit wobbly.

Now, here’s a therapy trick: cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. It’s like having a superhero therapist guiding your kid through anxiety battles. CBT teaches them how to rewire their brains and challenge those anxious thoughts. It’s like turning those “What if?” monsters into “I got this!”.

Let’s not forget the power of supportive relationships. Having parents, teachers, and friends who’ve got their back is like a force field against anxiety. It’s like having a cheering squad that says, “You’re not alone, kid, we’re in this together!”

If you suspect your little one might be wrestling with anxiety, don’t sweat it. Talk to a doctor or a mental health pro — they’re the real experts in this quest. Early intervention is key to helping your kiddo conquer anxiety!

Oh, and here’s an exercise for you, super-parents! Take a moment to unleash your inner kid. Yup, that’s right. Find a cozy spot, put on some goofy music, and have a silly dance-off with your little anxiety warrior. Trust me, laughter is the kryptonite to anxiety!

Now, let’s shine the spotlight on anxiety’s partner in crime—dealing with it in kids and teens. Anxiety and its BFF, depression, often go hand in hand. They’re like those inseparable besties who never leave each other’s side. So, keep an eye out for any signs of depression in your kiddo too.

Oh, here’s another mind-blowing fact: anxiety disorders can make school a real challenge for our little heroes. They might struggle with concentration, social situations, or even making it through the day without feeling overwhelmed. So, don’t hesitate to team up with teachers and school staff. They can be your sidekicks in creating a supportive environment for your anxious kiddo.

Remember, you’ve got this, parents! With a dash of love, a pinch of understanding, and a sprinkle of patience, you can help your little anxiety warrior navigate this crazy world. So, keep fighting the good fight, keep advocating for your kiddo, and remember, you’re their ultimate ally.

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.

Rates for anxiety and depression grew 3 percentage points between 2003 and 2012. By 2019, one in five children ages 3-17 had a reported mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cause: The growing use of digital media, increasing academic pressure, and limited access to mental health care, rising income inequality, racism, gun violence, and climate change. (Surgeon General’s report)

According to CDC, about 8.7% of children ages 3-17 years old were diagnosed with ADHD at the time of the survey. About 7.8% of this age group had a current anxiety diagnosis, followed by 7% with a behavioral problem diagnosis. Depression affected about 3.4% of surveyed children ages 3-17. (between 2016-2019)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental disorders can contribute to substance use and substance use disorders. About 4% of kids ages 12 to 17 reported having a substance use disorder in the past year according to CDC data collected in 2018-2019.

Takeaway for a parent:

1. Control screen time
2. Talk to you child about mental health
3. Go for nature walks
4. Teach your kids to ask for help from their doctor/counselor/elder
5. Take away money source to curb addiction

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.

1. Anxiety: Anxiety is a common mental health challenge among children in the United States. Preventative measures include teaching coping skills, promoting physical activity and healthy sleep habits, and providing a supportive and stable home environment.
2. Depression: Depression can have a major impact on a child’s overall well-being. Preventative measures include teaching positive coping skills, promoting physical activity, and ensuring access to mental health resources and support.
3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD can impact a child’s ability to focus and succeed in school and other activities. Preventative measures include providing structure, setting clear expectations, and exploring behavioral therapy or medication as appropriate.
4. Conduct disorder: Conduct disorder is a type of behavior disorder that can involve aggression and other antisocial behaviors. Preventative measures include providing positive reinforcement for good behavior, fostering strong relationships with positive role models, and seeking support from mental health professionals.
5. Substance abuse: Substance abuse can have a devastating impact on a child’s mental and physical health. Preventative measures include promoting healthy activities, monitoring substance use, and addressing any underlying mental health conditions.
6. Eating disorders: Eating disorders can cause physical and mental health problems. Preventative measures include promoting healthy body image, teaching positive coping skills, and ensuring access to mental health resources and support.
7. Trauma: Trauma, such as abuse or neglect, can have a lasting impact on mental health. Preventative measures include providing a supportive and stable home environment, addressing any underlying mental health conditions, and seeking support from mental health professionals.
8. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Preventative measures include teaching coping skills, providing a supportive and stable home environment, and seeking support from mental health professionals.
9. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can affect a child’s ability to think, feel, and behave normally. Preventative measures include early identification and treatment of symptoms, providing a supportive and stable home environment, and seeking support from mental health professionals.
10. Bipolar disorder: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder that can involve periods of mania and depression. Preventative measures include promoting healthy sleep and physical activity, monitoring for changes in mood and behavior, and seeking support from mental health professionals.

Preventative measures include promoting positive coping skills, ensuring access to mental health resources and support, and addressing any underlying conditions or stressors. Seeking support from mental health professionals can be particularly helpful in preventing and treating mental health issues in children.

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.

No parent wants to see their child sad or frightened, but more and more children in the Western world are now coping with stress and anxiety. For the most part, parents of children who suffer from these feelings are at a loss while at the same time they look for every possible way to help their children cope with this situation, sometimes to no avail. If your children are suffering from anxiety, or you know parents of such children, you should read the following article, which highlights some of the common causes of anxiety, signs the child is suffering and how to cope with it so that you can be the best parent you can be and help them cope.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Children:

• Anxiety and depression affect many children¹
  • 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have diagnosed anxiety.
  • 3.2% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 1.9 million) have diagnosed depression.
• Anxiety and depression have increased over time²
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and to 8.4% in 2011–2012.
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with anxiety” among children aged 6-17 years increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2011–2012.
  • “Ever having been diagnosed with depression” among children aged 6-17 years did not change between 2007 (4.7%) and 2011–2012 (4.9%).

Common Causes of Anxiety in Children:

1. A significant change in the family – One of the main causes of anxiety and depression among children is a significant change in the family – divorce, death, moving, and even birth can undermine your child’s peace of mind. Think about these significant changes and understand that they can shake your child’s stability and make them feel insecure, leading to confusion and eventually to anxiety and depression.

2. Parental instability – Another reason many children experience anxiety and depression is parental instability, which means that the parent’s life is unstable and as a result, the children’s security is undermined. Money, feelings of depression, family turmoil or fighting between parents can cause your children to experience a tremendous sense of helplessness because they want to help, but they don’t have the means to do so, thereby making the road to anxiety and depression very short.

3. Packed schedules – Today most children have packed schedules; From school through to private lessons to spending time with friends, these are just some of the activities that many children take part in. These children tend to run between activities which can cause great stress. Even if they seem happy and enjoy the activity load, in most cases they need occasional quiet and rest.

4. Educational pressure – the school curriculum can be a burden on many children, along with the number of assignments and tests given throughout the year. Therefore, this is one of the causes of stress among many children who are anxious about succeeding in school. Such pressure is most common among teenagers and children who are afraid to make mistakes and fail or be imperfect.

5. Popularity – In today’s reality, the need to show off and be seen exists in everyone, even in many children. For the most part, being shunned or even simply not popular can be a major factor of depression in children. As they grow, most of them want to integrate and feel a sense of belonging to a particular group, and this pressure can sometimes be agonizing.

6. Bullying – This common problem affects many children very strongly, especially in the mental-emotional aspect, and sometimes can also cause physical damage. Children who struggle with bullying often feel embarrassed that they are targets, and as a result may hide the abuse from their parents and teachers for fear of drawing attention to themselves and exposing their weaknesses.

7. News – Everywhere in the world there are media outlets that report on various events that happen around the world, and this information, which can sometimes be difficult, is exposed to many children. News headlines and images depicting natural disasters, terrorist attacks, violence, and more can cause anxiety among children. When children see and hear bad news, they may worry that something bad can happen to them or someone they love.

8. A scary film or book – today’s movies, television, and literature have become more blunt and speculative, therefore, fiction stories can cause distress or anxiety among some children. Children are often affected by frightening, violent, or disturbing scenes that are shown in a movie or written in a book. Some may even be more sensitive. Try to understand who your child is, how sensitive he/she is, and what scares them, and limit the content they are exposed to based on this knowledge.

Causes, signs, and ways of dealing with anxiety in children:

Physical signs

    They often complain of headaches or stomachaches, although there is no medical reason behind the pain.

    Refuse to eat snacks or meals at school.

    Don’t use restrooms other than those at home.

    They are restless, nervous, hyperactive or distracted.

    They begin to tremble or sweat in threatening situations.

    They have constant difficulty falling asleep.

    Their muscles are tense all the time.

Emotional signs

    They often cry.

    They are overly sensitive.

    They are angry for no apparent reason.

    They are afraid to make small mistakes.

    They suffer from excessive fears (natural disasters, bees, etc.).

    Worry about what happens in the future.

    Suffer from recurring nightmares about the loss of a parent or other loved one.

    Their worries and fears interfere with them having child fun.

    They suffer from tantrums.

    They are preoccupied with obsessive thoughts or suffering compulsive behaviors (finger tapping, hand washing, etc.).

Behavioral signs

    They always ask, “What if?”

    They refrain from participating in class activities, even outside school hours.

    They are quiet or preoccupied with something while they are supposed to work with others.

    They Refuse to go to school.

    They often are alone during recess.

    They refuse to talk to people in public places.

    They constantly ask permission from parents, teachers, and friends.

    They say, “I can’t ” without a real reason.

    They find it difficult to part from people who are close to them, even if only for a short time, and they respond to this separation in an exaggerated and unusual way.

Ways of coping with children with anxiety

Managing Symptoms: Staying Healthy

Being healthy is important for all children, and can be especially important for children with depression or anxiety. In addition to getting the right treatment, leading a healthy lifestyle can play a role in managing symptoms of depression or anxiety. Here are some healthy behaviors that may help:

• Having a healthy eating plan centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), lean protein sources, and nuts and seeds
• Participating in physical activity each day based on age
• Getting the recommended amount of sleep each night based on age
• Practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques

1. Teach children to control anxiety

Not one of us is interested in seeing their child anxious and sad, and the best way to help them overcome it is actually to teach them to control these feelings. Talk to your child about their feelings and the panic attacks they suffer from, try to understand how they begin, their triggers and the symptoms. When you learn to identify them, they can be better controlled. Of course, the beginning will be difficult and the self-control will improve over time and practice.

2. Don’t avoid certain things just because they can trigger your child’s anxiety

Preventing situations that cause anxiety in children can be an effective short-term solution, however, this won’t help your child develop the coping skills needed to deal with anxiety in the long term. If you constantly come to your child’s rescue when they are faced with something that causes them anxiety, they’ll learn that they have someone that will deal with their anxiety for them. This is why you need to allow your child to experience these situations and teach them how to deal with and soothe panic attacks.

3. Present the situation in a positive but realistic light

You can’t sugar coat your child’s fear and make them believe they’ll never happen. Whether it’s failing a test, a visit to the dentist, or bullying, these are things your child really might have to face, and they can be scary, you, however, need to show them that you are confident in the ability to deal with these situations. The intention here is to reassure the children that they will understand that any experience they undergo, good or bad, is temporary and can be controlled. Over time, their level of anxiety will decline and they will rely on the confidence you place on them.

4. Respect their feelings but don’t empower them

It’s important to understand that respecting their feelings doesn’t mean you are approving or agreeing with them.  If your child is afraid, for example, to go to the doctor because they are scared of shots, don’t undermine this fear, but at the same time don’t increase it. Just listen to your child, be empathic and help them understand why they are afraid, and then encourage them and make them feel that they can conquer their fears. Remember, the message you want to convey is “I know you’re scared, it’s fine, I’m here and I’m going to help you through this.”

5. Don’t ask leading questions

You should encourage your children to talk about their feelings and anxieties, but try not to use leading questions : “Are you afraid of the test next week?” Or “Are you afraid of visiting the doctor?” To avoid asking them questions that will increase their anxiety just ask them open questions such as: “How do you feel about the test you have next week?”

6. Encourage them to accept their anxieties

You must show your children that you appreciate the effort their putting into coping with the depression and anxiety they experience, which will encourage them to continue to do so until the situation changes. Remember that your children cope with anxiety attacks every day, and with your support, their feelings will improve and eventually they’ll be able to overcome their fears.

7. Be a role model in dealing with anxiety

The best way to help your children deal with anxiety is by showing them how you deal with it. Children, especially at a young age, absorb much of the behaviors of their environment and especially their parents. If they constantly hear their parents complain and see them unable to cope with their stress and fears they will adopt these same inabilities. We aren’t saying you need to pretend to not have fears or feels stress, but we are saying that you should be exhibiting the correct way to deal with it

Closing words

Every parent wants their child to be happy, so many parents find it difficult to help their children and understand them when they are suffering from anxiety. We believe that thanks to the knowledge you’ve acquired here, you’ll be able to identify signs of anxiety in your children and know how to help them cope with it. In addition, you may want to consider providing your child with professional care, such as therapy.

Further Read

CDC: Children’s Mental Health

CDC: Suicide Prevention

CDC: Bullying Research

CDC: Positive Parenting Tips

CDC: Adolescent and School Mental Health

Source: CDC, Internet & Others

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.