Navigating Anxiety: When to Seek Support
Anxiety is a common experience for many kids and teens. About one in three youth will experience a significant challenge with anxiety. Many worries and fears are normal and even helpful sometimes. So, when is anxiety a problem?
When I work with youth, we talk about how our bodies and brains are built with a natural alarm system designed to keep us safe. For example, you are walking to school chatting with your sister when you hear someone from behind yell “coming through, on your left!!” Startled, your heart rate increases and your body mobilizes. You look behind you and see a 5th grader on their bike about to crash into you. But, you jump out of the way just in time! Your fear response system was ready and helped you move quickly to avoid the bike crash. That is the system working well to protect you.
Similarly, you might be worried about an upcoming math test. Sometimes that worry can be helpful because it increases our motivation to study and prepare for the test.
Still, anxiety and fear are not always helpful. Sometimes the body’s stress response system is very sensitive or signals danger when you are actually pretty safe. The stress you are managing might also be different from danger that requires “fight or flight” responses. For example, what if you are so worried about the test you can’t focus on studying and preparing? Or what if you are so nervous about bikes or other dangers, you are constantly checking for danger and can’t relax? When anxiety starts to get in the way of your day-to-day life, it might be problem. Avoidance of common situations due to anxiety or fear is also a sign that anxiety is getting in the way of the life you want to live.
The good news is that there are treatments that help youth and parents battle back against anxiety. Being brave, even in small ways, can reduce anxiety over time. A psychologist can help develop a plan that is the right pace for a child or teen struggling with anxiety.
There are also some strategies that may be helpful for lots of families to support being brave so we can thrive. Here are some ideas:
Try something new and share about it with your child or teen.
Encourage your child or teen to try something new, even if just something small like a new food.
Celebrate small steps and accomplishments for yourself and your child.
When feeling anxious, remind yourself or your child that trying matters regardless of the outcome.
Take time to do a favorite activity. Engaging in things you enjoy reduces worry and stress.
Professional support is available
Brave Minds Psychology Center for Child Anxiety offers evidence-based therapy to support children, teens, young adults, and parents in learning to manage anxiety in order to thrive. Services are available for residents of California. Contact us for a free consultation.
**The information provided in this post is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is essential to consult with a qualified mental health professional for any specific concerns or needs.
