Guest blog by Laura Pearson, Edutude.net
In today’s world of constant exposure to the news, cyberbullying, and the stress of everyday adolescence, being a young person is already fraught with anxiety. When there is an actual issue with their mental health, however, it can be difficult for a child or teen to come to their parents and talk about it, in part because they may not understand it or know how to name it. Yet anxiety--and all the things that can follow it, such as stress, depression, and isolation--can be especially harmful to young people and can affect the way they function at school or in everyday life.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your child if they are exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and learn the best ways to control and manage it. What works for one person may not work for another, so you and your loved one may need to try a few different methods to find something that fits. This could mean medication, therapy, coping mechanisms, or a combination of all three.
Your child may respond to anxiety in a variety of ways, depending on her age. Here are a few of the best ways to handle any situation, no matter how old your child is.
Help her practice self-care
Many emotional issues are easier to handle when we feel good in other ways, so help your child stick to a daily workout schedule and eat a well-balanced diet. Lots of good rest is always good, as well, so create a bedtime routine that will calm and soothe her for a good night’s sleep. Talk to her about the best ways to keep healthy habits, which will help her make good decisions down the road when it comes to using substances to numb the anxiety. For more tips on how to do this, read on here.
Talk it out
Allowing your child to have a voice when it comes to what makes her nervous or afraid is a big part of letting her learn to cope with it. Sometimes, talking about what comes next can be extremely helpful. Maybe she’s nervous about something related to school, or about a scary event she saw on the news. Refrain from telling her that “everything will be alright”, which diminishes her feelings. Instead, talk about a good plan of action to help her get through it.
Look for alternative forms of therapy
Sometimes, living with anxiety can be overwhelming. Many people seek the help of a professional who can assist them with getting through their feelings, and while this may be an option for your child, it’s a good idea to look for alternative methods, as well. These can include facing the fear rather than avoiding a possible trigger, keeping a journal to get overwhelming thoughts in order, and art therapy.
This is a particularly effective method for young people, as it allows them to express their feelings through creativity such as painting, drawing, acting, dancing, singing, or cooking. Channeling that energy into something tangible often has wonderful benefits and has been used to help victims of PTSD in the past.
Plan for “in the moment”
Long term methods for coping with anxiety are great to have, but it’s also important for your child to be able to handle those feelings in the moment. Talk to her about a plan of action that will help her face the negative emotions and get through them. This might include learning breathing exercises or focusing on a physical object that brings comfort or calm.
Adolescent anxiety can lead to all sorts of negative side effects, but with an early start on learning the best ways to manage it and cope with it, your child will have the tools she needs as she grows older. Start with a good plan and keep communication open in order to help your loved one get through this difficult time.
That’s why it’s important to talk to your child if they are exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and learn the best ways to control and manage it. What works for one person may not work for another, so you and your loved one may need to try a few different methods to find something that fits. This could mean medication, therapy, coping mechanisms, or a combination of all three.
Your child may respond to anxiety in a variety of ways, depending on her age. Here are a few of the best ways to handle any situation, no matter how old your child is.
Help her practice self-care
Many emotional issues are easier to handle when we feel good in other ways, so help your child stick to a daily workout schedule and eat a well-balanced diet. Lots of good rest is always good, as well, so create a bedtime routine that will calm and soothe her for a good night’s sleep. Talk to her about the best ways to keep healthy habits, which will help her make good decisions down the road when it comes to using substances to numb the anxiety. For more tips on how to do this, read on here.
Talk it out
Allowing your child to have a voice when it comes to what makes her nervous or afraid is a big part of letting her learn to cope with it. Sometimes, talking about what comes next can be extremely helpful. Maybe she’s nervous about something related to school, or about a scary event she saw on the news. Refrain from telling her that “everything will be alright”, which diminishes her feelings. Instead, talk about a good plan of action to help her get through it.
Look for alternative forms of therapy
Sometimes, living with anxiety can be overwhelming. Many people seek the help of a professional who can assist them with getting through their feelings, and while this may be an option for your child, it’s a good idea to look for alternative methods, as well. These can include facing the fear rather than avoiding a possible trigger, keeping a journal to get overwhelming thoughts in order, and art therapy.
This is a particularly effective method for young people, as it allows them to express their feelings through creativity such as painting, drawing, acting, dancing, singing, or cooking. Channeling that energy into something tangible often has wonderful benefits and has been used to help victims of PTSD in the past.
Plan for “in the moment”
Long term methods for coping with anxiety are great to have, but it’s also important for your child to be able to handle those feelings in the moment. Talk to her about a plan of action that will help her face the negative emotions and get through them. This might include learning breathing exercises or focusing on a physical object that brings comfort or calm.
Adolescent anxiety can lead to all sorts of negative side effects, but with an early start on learning the best ways to manage it and cope with it, your child will have the tools she needs as she grows older. Start with a good plan and keep communication open in order to help your loved one get through this difficult time.
Laura Pearson believes that every student has great potential and aims to help as many as possible unlock it. Ms. Pearson and Edutude strive to find unique, creative ways for parents and educators to encourage students to be challenged, motivated and excited by learning.
RSS Feed