I see many parents who go above and beyond to support their child: They spend hours online reading about tips and tricks, they show up for their child as their soundboard, listen to them, share advice with them and yet their child still battles with anxiety. This often leaves parents feeling burnt out and helpless - what else could they possibly do? As a parent, understanding when your child might benefit from anxiety therapy is crucial for their well-being (and yours!). Anxiety is common among children and teens, and knowing the signs can help you take proactive steps. Here are three key signs to look out for:
1. Persistent and Intense Worry or Fear:
If your child consistently shows intense worry or fear that disrupts their daily life, it could indicate an anxiety disorder. Pay attention if they become overly anxious about routine activities like school or sleeping alone. Also take careful note of how this persistent worry or fear influence your child's ability to function on a daily basis: If tasks that were easy for them to complete suddenly become really challenging (such as: finishing homework on their own, getting dressed on their own, following morning or bedtime routine) this might be a sign that their experience of worry is becoming overwhelming for them.
2. Unexplained Physical Symptoms:
Anxiety often manifests in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue without a medical cause. Our bodies are sensitive and receptive to our mental/ emotional states and we might often get sick much easier when we experience persistent feelings of anxiety, worry or fear. If these symptoms persist despite medical evaluations, therapy might help your child learn coping strategies.
3. Changes in Behaviour or Academic Performance:
Watch for sudden changes like increased irritability, mood swings, social withdrawal, or declining school performance. When a child feels anxious, it often leads to them feeling overwhelmed and not feeling able to cope with other feelings or events that used to have little influence on them in the past. Suddenly, a child who generally did not reach a point of irritability quite easily, could feel irritable due to the slightest thing or a social child could suddenly lose their interest in being social with peers. These could be signs that anxiety is affecting their overall well-being and functioning.
When to Consider Therapy:
If you notice these signs persisting over weeks or months, therapy could be beneficial. A qualified therapist specialising in children can assess and provide tailored strategies like Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to manage anxiety effectively.
Seeking therapy for your child's anxiety is a proactive step towards supporting their emotional health. It demonstrates your commitment to their well-being and equips them with valuable tools for navigating life's challenges with resilience.
If you have questions or concerns about anxiety therapy for your child, reach out for personalised guidance. I'm here to support you and your family on this journey.
Best wishes,
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