Childhood Anxiety Attacks - A Simple 5 Step Method That Will Help Your Child Overcome Panic Attacks
- Date: 2010-06-22 - Word Count: 553
Share This!
Did you know that somewhere between 4% and 10% of older adults are diagnosed with anxiety disorder? It's surprising to learn that many of these adults actually developed anxiety disorders as children.
Anxiety in children often goes unnoticed because the symptoms mimic other behaviors that are considered normal in children.
Symptoms of anxiety in children can begin to present when they are as young as 18 months. These symptoms should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications throughout adulthood.
Children and adults both experience a certain degree of anxiety, and that's perfectly normal. However, if the symptoms become recurrent and so severe that they take over daily activities, it can be very overpowering and wreak havoc.
Although it can be hard to notice signs of an anxiety disorder, there are certain symptoms you should be on the lookout for. Some of the more prevalent ones are:
-Poor concentration
-Restlessness
-Irritability
-Trouble sleeping and other sleep disorders
-Excessive Sweating
-Nausea
-Headache
-Always tired (fatigue)
-Temper tantrums
-Complains of chills
-Contantly expresses fear
-Dizziness
-Shakes
-Muscles tense (especially facial)
-Becomes withdrawn and isolated
It's easy to see how this can adversely affect a child, and how much a child can really suffer from this affliction.
As a parent, you must learn to recognize these symptoms, and seek help if you believe your child is suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are several things that you can do immediately to ease their anxiety. Here are 5 steps you can take to help your child overcome panic attacks:
1. Educate Yourself
The first thing you should do is get some books on the subject, or do research on the internet. You'll be much better equipped to handle the situation if you know what to expect and can identify with how your child is feeling.
2. Educate Your Child
You'd be surprised at what a child can comprehend. Talk to them about what is going, and let them know what is happening to their body when they experience anxiety. Reassure them that you will be there to help, and that they are going to get over it.
3. Breathing And Counting Exercises
Teach your child some simple breathing and counting exercises. When an anxiety attack comes on, ask them to close their eyes, take a deep breath and count backwards from ten while thinking about their favorite toy or favorite book.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reassure them that everything is going to be alright as they are counting and breathing. After the attack is over, tell them what a great job they did and how proud you are of them. This will reinforce the calming method as a positive experience and motivate them to do it again, should another attack occur.
5. Get Them Professional Help
While calming and breathing exercises help, they are just a plug in the dam. The attacks will most likely continue, and may get worse. You should seek the help of a professional. They are best equipped to give your child the help they so desperately need.
Most parents associate the words "professional help" with therapy and drugs. It's important to know there are other options, such as The Anxiety Free Child Program.
This program teaches the parent to be the primary person responsible for helping their child beat anxiety. It focuses on educating the parent by teaching them proven methods to help their child overcome all forms of anxiety.
Anxiety in children often goes unnoticed because the symptoms mimic other behaviors that are considered normal in children.
Symptoms of anxiety in children can begin to present when they are as young as 18 months. These symptoms should be treated as soon as possible to avoid further complications throughout adulthood.
Children and adults both experience a certain degree of anxiety, and that's perfectly normal. However, if the symptoms become recurrent and so severe that they take over daily activities, it can be very overpowering and wreak havoc.
Although it can be hard to notice signs of an anxiety disorder, there are certain symptoms you should be on the lookout for. Some of the more prevalent ones are:
-Poor concentration
-Restlessness
-Irritability
-Trouble sleeping and other sleep disorders
-Excessive Sweating
-Nausea
-Headache
-Always tired (fatigue)
-Temper tantrums
-Complains of chills
-Contantly expresses fear
-Dizziness
-Shakes
-Muscles tense (especially facial)
-Becomes withdrawn and isolated
It's easy to see how this can adversely affect a child, and how much a child can really suffer from this affliction.
As a parent, you must learn to recognize these symptoms, and seek help if you believe your child is suffering from an anxiety disorder.
There are several things that you can do immediately to ease their anxiety. Here are 5 steps you can take to help your child overcome panic attacks:
1. Educate Yourself
The first thing you should do is get some books on the subject, or do research on the internet. You'll be much better equipped to handle the situation if you know what to expect and can identify with how your child is feeling.
2. Educate Your Child
You'd be surprised at what a child can comprehend. Talk to them about what is going, and let them know what is happening to their body when they experience anxiety. Reassure them that you will be there to help, and that they are going to get over it.
3. Breathing And Counting Exercises
Teach your child some simple breathing and counting exercises. When an anxiety attack comes on, ask them to close their eyes, take a deep breath and count backwards from ten while thinking about their favorite toy or favorite book.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reassure them that everything is going to be alright as they are counting and breathing. After the attack is over, tell them what a great job they did and how proud you are of them. This will reinforce the calming method as a positive experience and motivate them to do it again, should another attack occur.
5. Get Them Professional Help
While calming and breathing exercises help, they are just a plug in the dam. The attacks will most likely continue, and may get worse. You should seek the help of a professional. They are best equipped to give your child the help they so desperately need.
Most parents associate the words "professional help" with therapy and drugs. It's important to know there are other options, such as The Anxiety Free Child Program.
This program teaches the parent to be the primary person responsible for helping their child beat anxiety. It focuses on educating the parent by teaching them proven methods to help their child overcome all forms of anxiety.
Related Tags: childhood anxiety attacks, anxiety children, child anxiety disorders
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- How To Beat The Winter Blues By Growing Bonsai Trees
Why do some folks dislike the winter time with such a hatred? Is it the snow, the cold, the slippery - What Is Email Marketing? Email Marketing Explained So Even A 2nd Grader Can Understand It-part 7-7
What is Email Marketing? That is a question I get asked more than any other question to do with inte - Anxiety And Depression Solutions Explained
Anxiety and depression are both mood conditions that affect the psychological and physiological stat - The Seven Most Common Physical Symptoms Of Depression
Depression reveals itself in so many ways and experiencing physical symptoms of depression is not un - Natural Remedies For Treating Depression And Anxiety
People are living a fast-paced way of life today, and because of that, many are getting stressed out - Massage Therapy: Today's Solution To Leading A Normal Life
Many people dismiss the idea of hiring a personal therapist or taking external help because of pride - Therapist Directory A Best Source To Find A Good Therapist
A therapist refers to a person who is professionally trained to provide different kinds of therapies - What Is Depression And How Do You Know?
To feel sad time to time is a normal part of life. But when loneliness and despair take hold and won - Psycho Psychotherapist Anxiety
This is the age when everything is going very fast and it become very difficult to pace with the fas - How To Deal With Depression
Overcoming depression isn't quick and easy. But of course it is not impossible to escape from it. If
Most viewed articles in this category:
- 5 Herbs That Can Help Relieve Symptoms Of Depression
If you feel that you want as joyful as you should be in your emotions are getting the best of you th - Help for Depression
Depression is indicated if a number of symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks and are seve - Depression Medication
Clinical depression is a condition of grief, dreariness, or anguish that disturbs an individual's so - Handling Depression
Depression may often be initiated by high levels of long term stress, by failure associated with str - Holiday Depression
During the holiday season, it seems that even with all of the lights and gifts and fanilies reunitin - Do Not Accept Depression as a Normal Part of Aging
Depression is not a part of getting older. If you are one in the senior age groups and you are feel - Is Bipolar Disorder A Disability - Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Income?
Many people would consider Bipolar disorder to be a disability simply because it affects much aspect - Why Aromatherapy?
In this fast-paced society that we are living in today, depression has become quite a common sight a - Depression Natural Cures - One Proven To Bring Relief
There is one natural compound that is part of the natural food chain which has been the result of mu - Depression Symptoms - Six Do's And Dont's When You're Feeling Down
Do you or someone you know suffer from depression? It's actually quite common these days, especially