Tips for Managing Childhood Anxiety During A Pandemic – Guest Post
Have you ever wondered about how anxiety affects children? According to the CDC, anxiety and depression in children cause similar symptoms as anxiety in adults. The CDC defines childhood mental disorders as those that cause “serious changes in the way children typically learn, behave or handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day.”
Children, teens, and adolescents who suffer from symptoms of chronic anxiety often have trouble completing everyday tasks and activities. This was true before the outbreak of the pandemic.
Disrupted Schedules and Routines Can Lead To Elevated Anxiety
A child who suffers from anxiety disorders or other mental health symptoms can disrupt the outward environment as they struggle internally to get their needs met and feel safe. Children who suffer from chronic anxiety issues need a strong (and dedicated) support system in their parents, caregivers, and medical care providers.
In order to prevent your child from going into anxiety overload over the uncertainty, It’s important for parents of children with chronic anxiety symptoms, to establish a standard of care and behavior for their child. This means following a daily schedule that allows for minimal disruption in your child’s everyday routine.
Your child should eat, sleep, study, bathe, and have free time at the same time of day. When your child knows they have a schedule to follow at home while social distancing — this makes it easier for them to accept the reality of what is happening around them. Getting help from third-party professionals like primary care providers, counselors, and therapists give parents a better chance at effectively meeting theirs and their children’s needs.
Children and their families can take advantage of affordable distance therapy services provided by leading online therapy sites like BetterHelp. Therapists at BetterHelp are available for unlimited messaging online at any time of the day or night. People who are on lockdown, self-quarantine, quarantine, and social distancing can get therapy without ever having to leave the comfort of home.
How to Recognize Chronic Anxiety Symptoms in Children
Trouble sleeping, headaches, irritability, and anger, extreme worry, rapid changes in behavior and mood are all examples in children. Anxiety can have debilitating symptoms in children and adults that affect their quality of life. These symptoms can make it nearly impossible for a child with anxiety to cope.
Left untreated anxiety symptoms in childhood can cause issues with developing healthy relationships, friendships later on in life. Not getting help and treatment for childhood anxiety can have lasting effects that carry over into adulthood.
Tips For Managing Childhood Anxiety
Helping kids learn how to deal with anxiety involves teaching them that while there are stressful situations that come up, that they are equipped to handle any situation. Letting a child know early on and having realistic and age-appropriate conversations with them is a good way to help reduce the effects of anxiety.
Teach your child how to develop stronger mental resilience. It’s important for your child to know that while negative challenges do arise, that any challenge they are faced with they have the ability to overcome. Anxiety in children (and adults) often stems from feelings of powerlessness in handling unexpected situations.
Incorporate regular exercise and healthy eating habits into your child’s life. Another key factor in reducing the effects of anxiety is to maintain a healthy diet. This is important so your body can release toxins that may cause physical symptoms that mirror anxiety. Incorporate water, fruits, and vegetables into your diet as recommended by a primary care provider to naturally reduce anxiety.
Get help using online therapy options for individual, group, and family therapy. Taking part in individual, group, and family therapy can be beneficial for children who suffer from anxiety and mental health issues. Getting professional advice and support from a licensed therapist can make all the difference.
Even in times of uncertainty, leading therapy sites like BetterHelp provide online access to board-certified therapists 24-hours a day. Online therapy is a great option for people affected by 2020 pandemic. Getting started with online therapy is an easy and affordable way to help keep your child’s anxiety in check.
This is a guest post written by Marie Miguel
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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