Anxiety
Some notes and resources on anxiety from our Clinical Counselor, Scott Borchers, LPCC.
Anxiety is a common emotional problem experienced by children. The CDC reports that 7.1% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 4.4 million) have been diagnosed with anxiety.
Here are several types of anxiety that can affect children:
Separation anxiety
Phobias
Panic
Social anxiety
Generalized anxiety
Children who feel anxious may try to avoid or control a situation in order to reduce their feelings of anxiety. In the short term, this is an effective technique, but it can become increasingly more difficult to manage the avoidance or control. For example:
A child who experiences separation anxiety may beg to stay home from school. The avoidance of school that day results in short term relief from the anxiety. However, going to school the following day can prove to be even more difficult.
There are many resources available to parents who suspect their child may be experiencing anxiety. Below are websites and book recommendations:
https://childmind.org/topics/concerns/anxiety/
https://www.psycom.net/help-kids-with-anxiety
https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety/
Parents’ Books:
Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children – By: Lynn Lyons, Reid Wilson PhD., et al.
Freeing Your Child from Anxiety – By: Tamar Chansky Ph.D.
Teens’ Books:
My Anxious Mind: A Teen’s Guide to Managing Anxiety – By: Michael Thompkins
Children’s Books:
What to Do When You Worry Too Much – By: Dawn Huebner
What to Do When You're Scared and Worried: A Guide for Kids – By: James J. Crist
David and the Worry Beast: Helping Children Cope with Anxiety – By: Anne Marie Guanci and Caroline Attia
You've Got Dragons – By: Kathryn Cave
The Invisible String – By: Patrice Karst and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
In addition to the resources listed, it can be helpful to discuss any questions or concerns about anxiety with your healthcare provider at NECP!
Scott Borchers has been a Counselor at Northeast Cincinnati Pediatric Associates since 2016 and currently seees patients in our Mason office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.