OliviaJKids worry. Whether it’s fear of the dark, starting at a new school, or getting another pimple, children can take life very seriously. But some kids worry more than others. It’s always painful to watch a child suffer from anxiety, but it’s especially difficult if you’re not sure whether she’s worrying too much and might need help.
The difference between normal worry and anxiety disorders is the severity and duration of the anxiety. While feeling anxious is a natural and even healthy reaction to stressful situations, anxiety becomes a disorder when it interferes with a child’s ability to handle everyday situations, or prompts her to avoid things that most people her age enjoy.
For kids who do need help, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is very successful in helping kids learn to tolerate their anxiety until it diminishes. CBT is a skill-based approach that teaches kids how to control their thoughts so they can better manage unwanted feelings and behaviors. There is info in our resources on this topic.
The toughest thing with anxiety and teens is finding them help through your Dr. The teens are not always receptive to therapy and have been known to just sit there and say nothing................ If you ask them why they are there - they will say, "My Mom made me come".
You and your daughter are lucky to have each other and remember you are doing everything you should be doing as a Mother who loves their child.
Kindly,
Kitt