“We all need someone who understands.” - Magda Gerber”
Kids, like adults, will have many moments of anxiety throughout life. Anxiety is common. It can also feel overwhelming and result in behaviors that are unexpected. Kids don’t always express anxiety in the ways that adults do. They might act out more, feel difficult, and test limits. They might complain of stomach aches and seem grumpy. You might ask them what is wrong and they might not have the words to explain it. Parenting and helping kids manage anxiety can feel overwhelming, but the first step to managing anxiety it to better understand how it works.
What causes anxiety? It is a natural biological reaction to stress and change. Sometimes children feel anxious about something positive - like a new change. Other times, kids feel anxious about an uncomfortable situation or the unknown. Whatever the reason, kids might need help and guidance to better understand their experiences and learn techniques to work through their feelings.
Often times, parents see tantrums and difficult behaviors as kids acting out and defying our requests. However, they can also be a sign of underlying anxiety. Do you notice any of these signs in your child or adolescent?
Outward Signs of Anxiety in Kids (resource - Child Mind Institute) :
stomach aches
changes in appetite
irritability
trouble sleeping
avoidance behaviors
clingy attachment to caregivers/parent
difficulty focusing
explosive outbursts/tantrums
irritability
Anxiety can present itself in minor and manageable ways. While other times, anxiety impacts a child’s development, relationships, emotional well being, and physical health. Finding space to acknowledge, process, and express anxiety is helpful to encourage emotional wellness throughout the lifespan.
Luckily, there are a variety of techniques that are helpful for treating anxiety including cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts therapies, and mindfulness. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at the interaction between thoughts, experiences, emotions, and behaviors. It is a structured and research backed treatment that can help to better understand root causes of anxiety and work to shift behaviors and unhelpful thoughts to decrease and better manage stressors. Art therapy incorporates art making as a means to identify feelings that children might not have the words to express. Mindfulness is a source of breathing and techniques for regulating the body’s reaction to stress from a physiological and holistic viewpoint which integrates the mind/body connection.
Finding support from a professional can help a child to feel understood will allow both parents and children to learn helpful techniques for acknowledging and managing stressors. Ma Zen Space offers cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and therapy for parents, children, and adolescents. Reach out today for support and guidance by emailing info@mazenspace.com and visiting www.mazenspace.com