Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems in children and youth.
Kids with anxiety are often described as nervous, shy, worried or afraid. Although all
kids are anxious sometimes, kids with anxiety disorders have frequent and severe anxiety
symptoms that interfere with their lives in the family, at school and/or with peers.
Feelings of worry are exaggerated or out of proportion to the scary situation.
One of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In CBT,
a therapist will explain how anxiety or worry shows up in a child's body, mind and feelings. Then, the
therapist will teach ways to reduce feelings of anxiety.
A big part of CBT is helping kids to face their fears. Some therapists will use a fear ladder, which breaks
scary situations in to smaller, more manageable steps. For example, a child who is afraid to read aloud in
class will gradually start facing fears by reading aloud to himself, then to a parent, then to the therapist
and then to a small group of kids. The therapist will help the child use relaxation techniques like positive
self talk and deep breathing if facing his fear becomes too scary. Eventually, the anxious child will learn
that reading aloud was not as overwhelming or terrifying as he thought.
Parents can help their anxious child by modeling brave behavior and positive coping strategies. For example,
a parent who is afraid of driving at night might say, "I'm feeling a little scared right now and my tummy hurts,
but I know nothing bad will happen to me. I'm going to drive while the sun is setting so I can show myself there
is nothing to be afraid of. If I get scared, I'll just tell myself that I am a good driver."
For more information about helping your child with worry or anxiety, visit the Anxiety
and Depression Association of America (www.adaa.org) or
www.effectivechildtherapy.org.
