Anxiety

By Blake and Phoebe

What is anxiety?

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

A certain amount of anxiety is a normal part of any child’s life, and of their development.

From a young age, children feel anxious about things such as, brief separation, fears of the dark, of loud noises and of strangers are all common fears which may lead children to feel anxious.

As children get older, their worries may change to things such as how to control their emotions, dealing with friendships, relationships, war, burglary and divorce.

Signs and Symptoms

Panic attacks, or fears of these attacks.

Physical reactions, such as trembling, sweating, faintness, difficulties breathing, rapid heartbeat or nausea.

Avoidance behaviour – avoiding any situation that may bring on anxiety or panic.

Biological Factors

Inherited characteristics.

Risk factor: If the child has parents who are more prone to worrying/stress

or anxiety, the child will be more likely to inherit these

behaviours from their parents.

Behavioural Factor

Level of physical activity.

Protective factor:

If the child has a balanced lifestyle, with an adequate amount of physical activity then their stress levels will be decreased and this will help to manage

their anxiety.

Ways in which you can help children participate in an appropriate level of physical activity is:

Encourage them to take part in sports at school Take part in physical activity with them – go for walks, play games Lead by example, having a positive attitude about exercise will reflect on

children.

Physical Environment

Housing environment. Risk or protective factor: The child’s housing environment can affect their anxiety either positively or

negatively. If they have a housing environment in which they don’t feel safe and secure this can be a risk factor for their anxiety. If they feel comfortable in their housing environment, this can help to manage their anxiety.

Lock all doors Always have a parent home Keep phone numbers somewhere visible and in a position where children

know and can access Make sure they know emergency numbers Keep medicines, chemicals and potential dangers away and out of sight Keep house clean and tidy to reduce stress.

Social Environment

Family Authoritarian versus permissive.

Risk factor: Authoritarian parents attempt to always be in control. These parents set

strict rules and strict standards, they do not usually involve their children in the decision-making process and often do not give reasons for their decisions. They are critical, tell children what to do, and make their children obey them. These kinds of parents are a negative influence on children as they increase anxiety and the child always feels restricted and not comfortable in their own home.

Permissive parents are the opposite, they do not control their children. They avoid confrontation, and tend to be warm and loving to their children instead of strict and critical about their behaviours. They tend to not have many rules and boundaries, so this results in the child feeling fearful or anxious about how far they can push these boundaries. They do not know how far safe risk taking lies.

Be supportive of your children, they need boundaries and they need to be aware of these, but they do not need them reinforced every day.

Create a supportive family where children always feel like they can come and talk to you about anything.

Deal with problem behaviour in a positive, confident and consistent way.

Encourage good behaviour in children.

Always display affection towards children to provide them with a sense of self-worth and security.

Community

Neighbourhood safety.

Risk or protective factor: the most important thing for children is for them to

feel safe, in their own home and in their neighbourhood. If a child feels threatened or scared in their neighbourhood, this can act as a risk factor and contribute greatly to their anxiety.

However, neighbourhoods can also offer a lot of positive things for children, and if they feel comfortable in their environment this can help control their anxiety.

Get to know the neighbours

Create a positive neighbourhood atmosphere, have a positive attitude towards neighbours so children do not feel anxious about playing outside or talking to neighbours.

Conclusion

Many children experience anxiety of some form throughout their childhood. Whether it be a small fear, such as a fear of the dark, or a bigger fear such as a fear of separation.

Whatever anxiety your child experiences, never dismiss it and always approach it with a comforting, positive attitude.

There are many things parents can do to help create a safe, comfortable and secure home so that children feel loved and supported, and feel as though they are not alone in dealing with their anxiety.