As children reach adolescence, they experience a level of anxiety. Anxiety is normal and can happen at any phase of life. But does it matter? And how can it be managed? These common questions pop up in your mind. However, psychiatrists of Valley Pediatrics provide mental health care services Guntersville, Al to save your children’s mental health.
What is Anxiety in Teens?
Anxiety in teens is a complex and often misunderstood mental health concern that can have a considerable impact on an adult’s life. While it is normal for teens to experience some level of anxiety in response to stress or uncertainty. Excessive or prolonged anxiety can be a sign of anxiety disorder.
Anxiety in teens can take many different forms and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some teens may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or difficulty sleeping, while others may have more emotional symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, or panic attacks. Anxiety in teens can also manifest as avoidance behaviors, such as skipping school or social events or becoming overly reliant on certain routines or rituals.
What causes teens to feel anxious?
If your child behaves awkwardly, that means it’s the right time to seek the real cause and professional help to protect your children’s mental health.
Some children and teenagers may experience increased anxiety as the result of the following factors:
- Academic pressure as they approach important exams or deadlines
- The fear of social rejection and or social exclusion
- Conflicts within the family or major life changers
- Exposure to traumatic events
- Being around an anxious parent or someone
- Having responsibilities that are that is above the age
Symptoms of anxiety in young people
Here are a few symptoms when a child is anxious:
- Excessive worry
- Social isolation
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Staying asleep
- Loss of appetite
Strategies to help young children calm down and feel safe
Do you want to see your child happy? It happens when parents put all their efforts into coping with their children’s mental health. Here are some strategies for assisting kids to break the cycle of anxiety.
Positive and realistic expectations
It is not possible to guarantee a child that their fears are baseless or that negative outcomes will not occur, such as failing a test or being laughed at during a show and tell. However, you can offer reassurance and express confidence that they will be able to manage their fears. It is important to let them know that the anxiety they are experiencing will lessen as they face their fears over time.
Don’t empower their fears
It is crucial to comprehend that validating a child’s fears does not imply agreeing with them. For instance, if a child is afraid of getting shot during a doctor’s appointment, it is not helpful to downplay their concerns, but neither is it helpful to intensify them. Don’t boost the child’s fears
Validate their feelings
Validating a child’s feelings means acknowledging and accepting their emotions without judgment or criticism. It involves showing empathy and understanding towards the child’s experience, even if you may not agree with their feelings or the situation that led to them.
Practice deep breathing
Encourage children to take slow, deep breaths. You can teach them to inhale through their nose for a count of four, hold their breath for a count of four, and then exhale slowly through their mouth for a count of four.
Build overall confidence
Recognize and praise the effort your child puts into tasks, rather than just the outcome. This helps them develop a growth mindset that emphasizes the value of effort and perseverance.
Give them a lot of assurance and affection
Use soothing words and a calm tone of voice to reassure children that they are safe, and everything will be okay
Establish routine
Routines can provide a sense of predictability and control which can be comforting for children. Stick to a regular bedtime routine or morning routine.
Support your young child with anxiety at Valley Pediatrics.
If you are concerned about your child’s anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to Valley Pediatrics for support. The team of well-trained psychiatrist Guntersville, Al is here to support your child’s mental health. So, schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a brighter future for your child.