"The Signs Of Anxiety In Children" by Dr. Kathryn Peckham
Unmasking Child Anxiety - Childhood, often synonymous with innocence and carefree exploration, is increasingly marred by anxiety - a mental health condition that profoundly affects a child's well-being.? With an alarming number of children today grappling with anxiety at levels that can significantly impact their overall well-being, we must look to unravel the factors contributing to child anxiety and provide insights and guidance for all the adults in their lives.?
Where Does Anxiety Come From In Young Children? ?
Children’s mental health is a multifaceted issue influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. However, when we are mindful of these factors we can create a supportive and nurturing environment for our children.? ?
A family history can make a child more susceptible to anxiety if they have experience of it, with heightened sensitivity and a greater vulnerability to stress. The environment in which a child grows up also plays a significant role in emotional well-being. A chaotic home life, family conflict, neglect, abuse or exposure to violence can all contribute to the development of child anxiety. But so too can excessive pressure to perform well, even when this may be intended as encouragement and drive. Overprotective styles of care, excessive control or a lack of autonomy can also hinder their ability to develop coping skills and manage stress. Conversely, consistently ignoring a child's emotional needs can also lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.? ?
Experiencing traumatic events, such as accidents, natural disasters or witnessing a violent act can also put children at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders. Disrupting their sense of safety and security, leading to persistent feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety. And don't forget, what might not seem that traumatic to you may have been a frightening experience and persistent worry for a child.?
In a world of constant exposure to technology, children are being exposed to unrealistic expectations and negative images from increasingly younger ages, impacting their self-esteem, and fostering anxiety and self-doubt. And no matter how much we think we monitor what our children see and get pulled into, as soon as you give a child access to a device, these images will often find a way.?
Why Is A Child’s Self-esteem So Important??
Supporting early years, we play a vital role in nurturing children’s self-esteem, shaping their self-perception and cultivating child anxiety and their overall well-being. Managed well, this can positively impact their growth, confidence and resilience with effects that will last a lifetime, building the foundations upon which our children shape their identities and navigate the world.? ?
Self-esteem also provides our children with a cushion of resilience that helps them bounce back from the setbacks and challenges that are an inevitable part of life. When children believe in their abilities and self-worth, they develop a growth mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. They are more likely to persevere, problem-solve and learn from their mistakes, as this too fosters resilience and adaptability within them. They are more likely to approach challenges with confidence, believing in their abilities and embracing new opportunities.? ?
A child with a healthy level of self-esteem is more likely to form positive relationships and communicate and express their needs effectively as they surround themselves with stronger and healthier relationships. A healthy self-esteem empowers children to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new experiences and pursue their dreams with determination and enthusiasm. While it is not the only ingredient, imagine trying to do these things with a self-esteem that is hurting.
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And lastly, fostering healthy self-esteem can also promote a positive self-image. By cultivating an environment of acceptance and appreciation for their uniqueness, we can help our children develop a strong sense of self-worth. This can protect them from the negative impact of media influences and promote a healthy relationship with their bodies. Which sadly, is lacking in many of our children in today's media-rich world.?
Identifying The Signs Of Child Anxiety
We all feel anxious about things from time to time, this is simply a natural system within the body letting us know that there is something we need to be aware of. However, feeling anxious in ways that impact our day or feeling this way a lot of the time is detrimental to our health. At this stage, it is becoming anxiety and something we need to be aware of in our children of all ages. It can manifest in various physical symptoms such as frequent stomach-aches, fatigue, muscle tension, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite or unexplained physical complaints. Children may try to avoid situations or activities that trigger anxious feelings or express strong desires to stay within their comfort zones. They may become easily overwhelmed, irritable or have frequent emotional outbursts. All these symptoms may indicate an underlying child anxiety that they may not have the words or understanding to express to you.? ?
Child anxiety can also manifest as perfectionism or a strong fear of making mistakes. They may display an intense desire to please others, or they may look to set excessively high standards for themselves and be overly self-critical.? So pay close attention, especially if this has come on suddenly or they are looking to avoid things that they used to enjoy.?
Witnessing any child anxiety can leave you feeling concerned and desperate to help but by recognising the signs early on, you can provide the necessary support. Through open communication, empathy and a supportive environment, you can nurture children’s mental health in the early years as you develop healthy coping strategies. And remember, if you observe signs of anxiety that interfere with a child's daily life, consult with a healthcare professional or mental health provider. Early identification and intervention are vital tools in helping our future generations navigate child anxiety. Together, we can forge a world where children grow up with a sense of security, resilience and mental well-being.?
So whether you are a parent, practitioner or family worker join me at the Nurturing Childhoods Academy where you can listen to talks and access lots more tips and suggestions.? And there are also materials for you to print out and keep handy, giving you all the key bits of learning at your fingertips.?
And if you become a member of the Nurturing Childhoods Community, you can come and talk with other parents and carers about the experiences you are having. You might like to swap a funny story or ask for some advice. You can also read all the new blogs or have a go with a Childhood Challenge!?
Did you find this blog on child anxiety useful? Take a look at some of our other well-being blogs here:
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