I will explain what anxiety disorder implies, and how to detect it in your children. But don't worry, the positive thing about this is that this disorder has a solution.
We will start by defining what anxiety disorders are.
Children and adolescents experience intense fear, grief, or helplessness, and because these feelings can last for long periods of time, they significantly affect their lives.
What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?
Parents can spot signs that a child or teenager is anxious. For example, a child may cling to her parents when they go to school, cry, and end up missing classes. He may act scared or very upset, or refuse to talk or do things. Children and teens with anxiety may also have symptoms that others cannot see. They may be scared, worried, or nervous.
Anxiety can affect your body too. They may feel unsteady, restless, agitated, or short of breath. They may have a hot face, clammy hands, a dry mouth, and a racing heart.
Parents should be attentive to the behavior of their children, because the condition occurs at an early age, from seven to 15 years of age.
What are the causes of anxiety disorders?
- Genetics: A child who has a family member with an anxiety disorder is more likely to suffer from it as well.
- Situations of the life. Situations that occur in a child's life can be stressful and difficult to deal with. Loss, serious illness, or the death of a loved one, violence, or abuse can make some children anxious.
- Learned behaviors. Growing up in a family where other relatives have fears and anxieties can also "teach" a child to be afraid.
- Brain chemistry. Genes help direct the way chemicals in the brain (called neurotransmitters) work. A shortage of certain specific chemicals or that those substances do not work well can cause anxiety.
The positive fact is that anxiety has a solution.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
Most of the time, anxiety disorders are treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy helps families and their children and adolescents learn to manage worries, fears and anxiety.
This type of therapy teaches children that what they think and what they do affects how they feel. Children learn that when they avoid what they fear, they are only reinforcing or reinforcing their fears. They learn that when they confront a fear, that fear weakens and eventually disappears.
cognitive behavioral therapy
- Parents learn the best way to respond when their children are anxious. They learn how to help their children face their fears.
- Children learn skills and strategies so they can face their fears and worry less.
Therapists help children apply these skills, and they support and praise them when they try. Over time, children learn to face their fears and feel better. They learn to get used to situations that they previously feared. They are proud of what they have learned. And, without so much worry, they can focus on other things, such as school, activities, and fun. Sometimes medications are also used to help treat anxiety.
How can I help my son?
If your child is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, here are some ways to help:
- Find a trained and experienced therapist and take your child to all therapy visits.
- Talk to your child's therapist often, and ask about the best way you can help your child.
- Help your child face his fears. Ask the therapist how you can help your child apply what he learns in therapy at home. Praise your child when he struggles to deal with her fears and concerns.
- Help him talk about his feelings. Listen to him and let him know that he understands, loves, and accepts. Having a positive and loving relationship with you will help your child improve on his strengths.
- Encourage your child to take small steps forward. Don't let your child throw in the towel or avoid what he fears. Help your child move forward by taking small, positive steps forward.
- Have patience. That the therapy works and that your child is better in a process that takes time.
Source:
Anxiety, a common mental problem in adolescents and children, 2016. Ministry of Health. Website: www.gob.mx
Anxiety Disorders, 2018. Kids Health. Website: kidshealth.org
Anxiety, 2016. MedlinePlus. Website: medlineplus.gov
Psychological illnesses are increasingly common in people of all ages, and at the same time we can count on a wide variety of mental health specialists to support our children. We can encourage and encourage our children to look at these diseases with optimism, as parents we must promote self-knowledge and emotional support, since, by helping our children, we will be helping to improve their quality of life.
-Dan Sifuentes
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