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Anxiety is a common mental health condition that, like adults, can also affect children. Here we explain what it is and how to get help with therapy.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness or fear that is often a normal reaction to perceived danger. Children, like adults, can suffer from various forms of anxiety disorders. It can become a problem when these feelings are constant, overwhelming or disproportionate to the situation, affecting daily life and well-being.
Research by academics from Maynooth University, National College of Ireland, and Trinity College Dublin has found that approximately 7% of Irish adults have or experience Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Anxiety can manifest itself through both physical and psychological symptoms, including heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, upset stomach, difficulty concentrating, irritability and sleep problems. There are different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), each with their specific characteristics and symptoms.
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Children can develop anxiety for many different reasons, often involving a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors. Here are some of the most common reasons why children may experience anxiety:
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It is important to remember that anxiety is a complex condition and each child’s experience is unique. Understanding the underlying causes is an important step in providing the right support and treatment. If a child shows signs of anxiety, talking to a psychologist or doctor can help identify the causes and design an effective treatment plan.
Anxiety in children can be more difficult to identify than in adults because children often have difficulty expressing their feelings and the reasons for them. Here are some common signs of anxiety in children:
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It is important to understand that all children experience anxiety from time to time, and it is a normal part of growing up. However, when anxiety interferes with a child’s daily functioning or causes significant suffering, it is time to seek professional help. A child psychologist or child psychiatrist can offer assessment and treatment that can help the child manage their anxiety in a healthy way.
Treatment for anxiety in children is individualised and often involves a combination of therapeutic methods, education and support for both the child and the family. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is at the heart of many treatment programs, where the child learns to identify, challenge and change anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors. Education about anxiety helps the child and their family understand what anxiety is and how it affects them.
Parent education is also an important part of the process, where parents learn strategies to support their child effectively without reinforcing the anxiety. In some cases, family therapy may also be recommended to address the dynamics within the family that may affect the child’s anxiety.
School-based interventions may be implemented to provide the child with additional support in their learning environment, and in specific cases, medication may be considered as part of the treatment, especially when the anxiety is severe and does not respond adequately to therapeutic interventions.
The treatment process includes regular evaluations to ensure that it meets the child’s needs and is adjusted if necessary. Collaboration between therapists, doctors, parents and school staff is essential to give the child the best possible support and opportunities for recovery.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness or fear that is often a normal reaction to perceiving something as dangerous. Children, like adults, can suffer from different types of anxiety disorders.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can also affect children.
Children can develop anxiety for many different reasons, often involving a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.
Anxiety in children can manifest itself through physical symptoms such as stomach pain and sleep problems, emotional signs such as excessive worry and irritability, cognitive challenges such as difficulty concentrating, and social changes such as withdrawal, making it important to pay attention to these varying signals.
To support children with anxiety, listen and validate their feelings, create predictable routines, teach relaxation techniques, encourage physical activity, and seek professional help for tailored strategies.
Treatment of anxiety in children involves individualised therapy, mainly through CBT, and education to teach children and families to understand and manage the effects of anxiety.
Treatment is tailored to the nature of the child or parent’s problem. It can be anything from a few sessions to a longer treatment over a couple of years.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to ill health.
A child psychologist is a licensed professional with knowledge and experience in working on the well-being and mental health of children and parents. They offer therapy and counseling, but also work with families in parental support and the whole family when needed. They also collaborate with schools to create good conditions for the child.
It is possible to see a child psychologist privately. At Lavendla we have several psychologists who have extensive experience of working with children and young people.
It is possible to receive treatment online via video. We have several child psychologists who work digitally at Lavendla.
Depending on how old your child is, you can turn to different services like the HSE. At Lavendla we have experienced child psychologists who can also help.
Seeking help from a child psychologist is an important step when a child is experiencing mental health difficulties. Here is a brief overview of what treatment can look like:
First step: Initial consultation where the psychologist assesses needs through conversations with the child and parents.
Treatment plan: An individualised plan is developed, based on the child’s specific situation and needs.
Types of therapy: Common methods include play therapy for younger children, where play is used as a tool for expression and processing, and talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older children, which focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Parental counseling: Parents receive guidance and support to better help their child at home.
Monitoring and adjustment: The treatment plan is continuously evaluated and adjusted as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
It is important to remember that each child is unique, and therefore treatment may vary. Working together with a child psychologist can give you and your child the tools they need to manage their emotions and behaviors in a healthy way. At Lavendla, we have child psychologists who can help make the hard stuff easier.