9 ways to relieve Anxiety in Children

Anxiety: What is it?

A multi-systemic reaction to a perceived threat or danger is anxiety. Because it can impact every system in the body, each person will experience symptoms differently. While the symptoms might differ, the following are some of the most typical ones:

• pounding heart rate
• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness
• Overly concerned
• Sensations of unease
• Experiencing weakness or weariness
• mouth dryness
• problems in digestion, such as diarrhoea
• disturbed slumber
• Having trouble unwinding

Anxiety is a common emotion that most people will encounter in their lifetimes. However, it can be classified as an anxiety disorder if you or your child experience anxiety on a daily basis. to know about anxietyhttps://lyfcure.com/anxiety-a-guide-to-finding-calm-amidst-the-storm/

What symptoms of anxiousness do your kids exhibit?

Eight out of ten children have an anxiety problem, according to the “Anxiety Disorders Association of America.” How can you tell whether your child is experiencing mild anxiety or a mental illness?

Anxiety disorders include panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among other types of anxiety. When a child has gone through a terrible event, such as an accident, they may be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To tell the difference, look for worry that gets in the way of everyday tasks. A youngster who is terrified of a big dog might just be scared. A child may be suffering from a condition if he refuses to leave the house for fear of running into a dog. You ought to search for physical indications as well. Anxiety attacks may be indicated by sweating, dizziness, and a sense of being choked.

If you think your child may have an anxiety problem, making an appointment with a doctor should be your first step. Your child’s medical history might be reviewed by the doctor to determine whether the symptoms have an underlying cause. They may also recommend that your family see a mental health or behavioural health specialist.

Prescription medication and professional therapy are two choices for treating nervous youngsters. By using these natural methods, you can also assist in reducing your child’s anxiety.

9 ways to relieve Anxiety in Children

How is anxiety in children diagnosed?

Interviews or questionnaires with the kid and their caregivers are used to diagnose childhood anxiety disorders. Teachers, other caregivers, or family members can offer further information if necessary.

A variety of mental health professionals, such as child psychiatrists, school counsellors, paediatric therapists, child psychologists, and paediatric counsellors in a faith group, can conduct an evaluation. Ask your child’s paediatrician for advice if you’re not sure where to begin.

Anxiety is not diagnosed by brain scans or blood testing. On the other hand, medical conditions like asthma, arrhythmias (an abnormal heartbeat rhythm), or thyroid disorders may mimic childhood worry. If more tests are required, your doctor can help you with them.

Which are the most prevalent forms of anxiety disorders among kids?

Anxiety can take many forms. A more precise treatment strategy can be developed once the precise form of anxiety has been identified.

The following are the most prevalent forms of anxiety in children:

• An excessive and overwhelming fear of worrying without a recognised cause is known as generalised anxiety.
• Separation anxiety, or acute distress when absent from attachment figures or home.
• anxiety related to being sick, obsession with being sick, or being overly vigilant about one’s health.
• Social anxiety, or terror caused by circumstances with peers,.
• Specific phobias or unreasonable dread of specific events, situations, or items like flying, heights, or vomiting.
• Agoraphobia is the fear of being in public places, such as parks, public transit, or places other than one’s home.
• Panic Disorder: Anxiety that results in severe bodily symptoms or panic episodes
• Selective mutism, or failure to speak when socially expected to,.

The DSM-5, an evidence-based diagnostic guideline used by mental health professionals, provides detailed descriptions of each of these anxiety kinds. Every diagnosis is typically made following several weeks to months of symptoms that don’t go away and/or when the fear or anxiety is seriously interfering with other events in life. For specific diagnostic information, consult your pediatrician or a pediatric mental health professional.

9 ways to relieve Anxiety in Children

It can be somewhat difficult to locate accessible and reasonably priced mental health services given the national surge in mental health problems. Until your child receives expert assistance, try these research-proven methods for reducing anxiety:

1. Breathing exercises and yoga

What it is: slow, gentle movements of the body combined with focused, mindful breathing.

Why it works: According to Molly Harris, a board-certified occupational and yoga therapist who works with children, “as anxiety increases, changes occur in the body, including shallow breathing.” “This may heighten anxiety and prolong the sensation of stress.”

Children practice a “belly breath” in yoga, which opens the diaphragm and fills the lungs. Through the parasympathetic nerve system, this induces a sedentary state. Children experience reduced blood pressure, a slower heart rate, and an increased sensation of calm.

Starting point: The earlier you start doing yoga with your child, the better. It’s a terrific way to introduce them to the practice. Choose simple, enjoyable poses like child’s pose or bridge pose. Focus on maintaining posture and taking deep breaths.

2. Art Therapy

What it is: Art therapy entails letting children create art for their own self-expression as well as occasionally for therapists to evaluate.

Why it functions: “Children who are unable or unwilling to articulate their feelings vocally can still express themselves through art,” says Meredith McCulloch, M.A., A.T.R.-B.C., P.C., of the Cleveland Clinic. “Creating art may be a calming sensory experience in and of itself, encouraging kids to stay in the present.”

Recognize that your child’s anxiousness is real when it occurs. Ignoring or downplaying anxious feelings might cause confusion or embarrassment. Don’t, however, purposefully steer clear of circumstances that you know cause your child anxiety. Helping your child handle their anxiety is the aim, not avoiding it.

3. Speak quietly and clearly

When your youngster is feeling anxious, get down on their level and talk intelligibly. To help them relax, teach them to breathe slowly. Hugging them or holding their hand could be helpful physical contact. Get your kid to do something relaxing, like read aloud or colour. Say aloud to your child that they are loved, safe, and protected.

4.Routines are important

Stability is created by predictable routines. Routines are particularly crucial to helping anxious kids feel comfortable. Giving kids some autonomy in organizing their daily schedules might boost their sense of control and promote self-regulation. Ensure that spending time with your family is a daily ritual.

5. Teach mindfulness or meditation

Adults with anxiety symptoms have improved when mindfulness practices like breathwork and meditation are used, according to research. Early studies on mindfulness in children have shown great promise for reducing stress and anxiety, even if the field is still in its infancy.

6. Make sleep a priority

Children in elementary school require roughly 10 hours of sleep per night. Numerous studies have demonstrated the critical link between mental health and restful sleep. Make sure your child has regular naps and bedtimes to help them get these crucial hours of sleep.

7.Eat a balanced diet

Nutritious food is essential for all bodily systems to obtain the building blocks needed for normal growth. The brain is no different. A wide range of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seafood, nuts, and low-fat dairy products are among the foods that are good for your body. While several supplements claim to alleviate anxiety, there is little proof of their efficacy, particularly when it comes to young people.

8. Get some exercise

Routine exercise has been demonstrated to have a favorable influence on mental health. The biological benefits of sweating most days of the week are enhanced by team sports’ social component, which also has extra mental advantages.

9. Reduce screen time

Kids may react fearfully to certain things on screens or use them as a coping mechanism for emotional stress. Eliminating all screen time is not a realistic solution if your child is a screen addict. Instead, make sure your kids are consuming high-quality media, interacting with encouraging others, and setting screen time limits.

 Conclusion

9 ways to relieve Anxiety in Children

In summary, it is critical for children’s general growth and well-being to address and alleviate anxiety in them. The techniques discussed in this blog offer a thorough method to assist parents, guardians, and teachers in fostering a nurturing atmosphere for kids dealing with anxiety. Children can be empowered to manage their emotions with resilience if we practise mindfulness, encourage good lifestyle choices, and cultivate open communication.

It’s critical to understand that every child is different and that what suits one might not suit another. As a result, applying these tactics requires a tailored and meticulous approach. Building trust and emotional stability requires understanding and consistency.

Let’s continue to be watchful for indicators of anxiety in our kids and take proactive steps to address them as we work to foster an environment that supports their mental health. By doing this, we contribute to a future in which kids can develop and flourish, free from needless worry and anxiety and with the skills necessary to meet obstacles head-on with courage and fortitude. By working together, we can provide the groundwork for our children’s emotional health and a more promising and resilient future for future generations.

Frequently asked questions

9 ways to relieve Anxiety in Children

1. What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety children?

Answer: As your child answers, have them name three objects they can see, name three sounds they can hear, and move three different body parts. Using this mindfulness technique, kids can put less emphasis on worrying about the future and more on using their senses to experience the present moment.

2. What can I give my child for anxiety naturally?

Answer: A few mind-body or stress-reduction methods include yoga, music therapy, journaling, guided visualisations, journaling, belly breathing, clinical hypnosis, and meditation (check out my videos on the subject). Kids as young as 5 or 6 years old can be taught to meditate.

3.What not to do with a child with anxiety?

Answer: Here are some tips for assisting children in managing their anxiety without making it worse.

• Avoid attempting to get rid of anxiousness.
• Avoiding something because it makes a child nervous is not a good reason.
• Set reasonable yet optimistic expectations.
• Honor their emotions, but don’t give them more authority.
• Avoid posing suggestive queries.

4. What vitamin deficiency causes anxiety in kids?

Answer: Low levels of vitamin D in neonates have been linked to a two-fold greater risk of having schizophrenia later in life. Reduced vitamin D levels have also been linked to anxiety, sadness, and schizophrenia23–27.

5. How should parents treat their child with anxiety?

Answer: Assist your kid in facing their concerns. Although you should acknowledge and accept the child’s worry, you shouldn’t give in to it. “I believe that our first response when we witness a nervous youngster is to support and shield them, rather than pressuring or motivating them to pursue their fears,” says Pine.