What is it like to have a Child with Severe Anxiety?

Raising a child who experiences severe anxiety (mental health disorder)can be overwhelming and challenging for parents. Observing how their children deal with ongoing anxiety, fear, and panic attacks is very difficult.

Therefore, if you are a parent of a young child who experiences anxiety, this blog is for you. We have covered everything related to childhood anxiety and how you can help your child in overcoming anxiety here. Simply read on.

In addition, you can seek professional assistance from Valley Pediatrics to manage your child’s mental health issues.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders in Children

Anxiety disorder in children is a complex condition that can result from a range of factors, including genetic, environmental, and developmental influences. Moreover, children who have a history of anxiety disorders in their families may be more prone to developing their own. In addition, imbalances in brain chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, have been connected to anxiety disorders in children also.

Furthermore, trauma is another factor that increases the risk to children’s mental health disorders. Furthermore, the child’s environment also has a significant impact on the development of anxiety, because elements like parental stress or a lack of social support can exacerbate negative emotions like anxiety and stress.

Types of Childhood Anxiety

There are various forms of childhood anxiety disorders, and each has its symptoms and characteristics. However, we have mentioned the most prevalent types of childhood anxiety in the following couple of lines.

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Children with GAD experience extra worry and fear about daily life situations and activities.
2. Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Children with SAD face major distress when separated from their parents or caregivers.
3. Specific Phobia: Children who have specific phobias feel extreme fear or anxiety about anything or circumstance, like animals, heights, or flying.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Children with OCD have intrusive and unwanted thoughts or urges, and they repeat actions or mental rituals to feel less anxious.
5. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Children with SAD have a fear of acting in social situations, such as speaking in public or participating in group activities in school.

How to help your Anxious Kid?

It can be challenging as a parent to see your child battle anxiety.  However, there are plenty of things you can do to help your little one overcome anxiety. You could, for instance, discuss your child’s anxiety or concerns with them while occasionally assuring them of your support. Plus, try to give your child a secure and encouraging environment; doing so will encourage them to confide in you about their worries and concerns. Additionally, teach them some healthy coping strategies to control anxiety, like deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise, or other stress-reducing activities.

Furthermore, if your child’s anxiety is interfering with their daily life or causing significant distress, seek help from any psychiatry doctor Guntersville, who offers therapy and medication to your child. 

Last but not least, keep in mind that anxiety is a treatable condition, and that progress may require time and patience.

So, be calm and trust the process.

Treatments for Anxiety Disorders in Children

3 types of treatments for anxiety disorders in children by child psychiatry Doctor.

Counseling: It can enable your child to process the situation and understand what is causing them to feel anxious.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Here,psychiatry doctor Guntersville provides talking therapy that can help your child manage their anxiety by modifying the way they think and act.

Anxiety medicines: Medicines are given to your child if their anxiety is severe or does not improve with talking therapies.

Get Professional help from Valley Pediatrics

If you believe your child needs help from a professional to manage anxiety, contact Valley Pediatrics Guntersville, their psychiatrist encourages healthy brain development and rebuilds your adolescent’s strength, flexibility, and resilience.

So, get in touch with Valley Pediatrics if you want to notice a clear difference in your child’s mental health.