Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in the United States, and it can affect children just as much as adults. In fact, many adults who seek treatment for anxiety realize over the course of therapy that their thought patterns and behaviors today can be traced back to their childhoods. Childhood anxiety is naturally heartbreaking for a parent; you want to assure them that everything is okay. Unfortunately, this can ultimately backfire and worsen a child’s anxiety. Failure to learn how to accept and cope with their feelings will ultimately lead them to suffer more when you aren’t always around to shield them.
The first thing to realize is that anxiety is normal. Both adults and children get nervous and worry about things from time to time. Maybe your child is anxious about the first day of school or their upcoming dental appointment. These normal life stressors are healthy and can teach your child to use their anxiety positively as a motivational tool.
When anxiety is persistent, leads to social isolation and starts to affect a child’s behavior and mental functioning, it’s time to seek out mental health therapy for children. Sometimes, anxious behaviors may be tied to an underlying disorder. Parents seeking autism treatment Lubbock for their child’s anxiety and social development should give us a call for help. We offer child behavioral services and mental health therapy for children that address a wide range of psychological and developmental issues. You may not be able to alleviate your child’s anxiety, but you can provide support and follow these tips to help them cope in healthy, adaptive ways.
Talk to Them About Anxiety
Encourage your child to open up about how they’re feeling. Avoid saying phrases such as, “There’s no reason to worry about that,” or “You’re worried for nothing.” This can cause your child to feel ashamed of their emotions and repress instead of reaching out for support.
Try Reframing
This is a common technique used for patients in therapy that helps patients learn to identify anxious thoughts and analyze them. Ask your child what thoughts they notice in their head when they’re worried. Then, break it down together and see how accurate it is. You can help your child explore different perspectives and probabilities to avoid thinking and believing worst-case scenarios.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help
Seeking out a pediatrician in Lubbock or your area can help your child overcome anxiety. If your child has autism or you suspect they may be on the spectrum, anxiety treatment Lubbock can help families come together and create a safe, loving environment that helps their child grow within their own means.
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