How to support a child with anxiety

Fay Stephenson • June 16, 2021

It is entirely normal for children to feel worried or anxious from time to time. Starting school, moving to a new area, or in times such as now during a pandemic, are all events that can especially trigger anxiety.

 

Younger children tend to suffer from issues that surround separation anxiety, like being away from their parents or starting nursery. Whereas older children are more likely to suffer from worries about school or social anxiety as they become increasingly independent in the world around them and develop their own relationships.


Children can also develop anxiety after specific stressful events, such as the death of a family member or friend, parental divorce or separation, moving schools frequently and abuse or neglect, amongst other things.


Just like adults, children and young people feel worried and anxious at times; and when it begins to affect their behaviour and thoughts every day, interfering with their school, home and social life, then we need to consider professional support.


Symptoms of Anxiety in Children

Some symptoms are recognisable to those seen in adults, but others are very specific to children:


·        finding it hard to concentrate

·        not sleeping, or waking in the night with bad dreams

·        not eating properly

·        quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during outbursts

·        constantly worrying or having negative thoughts

·        feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often

·        always crying

·        being clingy

·        complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell


Anxiety disorders in children - NHS (www.nhs.uk)


50% of mental health problems are established by age 14 and 75% by age 24.

So how can we help?

There are things we can do at home, immediately that will help:


1.      Talk to your child about their worries. Encourage them to recognise the signs/triggers and to ask for help when they need it.


2.      A regular routine can be very reassuring for children. Children of all ages find routines reassuring, so try to stick to daily routines where possible.


3.      Distractions work well with younger children, if they are anxious about leaving you for a short period or starting nursery, find a game they like and play on the journey to stop anxiety building.


4.      All children can be taught simple relaxation techniques, such as taking 3 deep, slow breaths, breathing in for a count of 3 and out for 3.


5.      If you know that a change is coming up (moving house, parent separation, new school), talk openly and honestly with your child about what will happen and why.

 

 

For more information on how to help children with anxiety check out Helping Your Child With Anxiety.

 

If your child's anxiety does not reduce using the above self-help techniques and is interfering with their everyday life, it's a good idea to get some help. Start by speaking to your GP, and if the anxiety is also affecting their school life, then it may be an idea to talk to the school as well. If the GP feels it would benefit, then your child may be referred to CAMHS. CAMHS is the name for the NHS services that assess and treat young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.

 

If your child does not want a GP’s help currently, then it may be worthwhile to look at mentoring and counselling services to support them.

 

Counselling can help your child understand what's making them anxious and allow them to work through the situation.

 

Mentoring can help build confidence and self-esteem by providing support and encouragement in a consistent manner.

Professional Support

Anxiety UK - National charity helping people with Anxiety - Anxiety UK

 

Childline - Childline | Childline

 

The Mix - The Mix - Essential support for under 25s

 

Young Minds - Young Minds Crisis Messenger


Fundraise for us!

We are hugely appreciative of all the individuals and businesses who fundraise on our behalf as it really makes a big difference in the work we do to support the next generation to thrive.

 

If you are looking to fundraise for our charity, then let’s talk to see how we can support your fundraising initiatives.

 

To get in touch, click here. 

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