6 questions answered about anxiety in children and teens

Between school and social demands, lots of children feel stress, but at what point does anxiety cross the line and become a mental health concern? Thriving sat down with Keneisha Sinclair-McBride, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at Boston Children’s, to better understand what separates serious forms of anxiety from normal worrying, whether seeing a therapist is warranted and how to handle anxiety at home. My child is a “worrier.” What degree of anxiety is normal and what should cause me concern? Occasional worries, like worries about the start of the school year or fitting in with peers, are normal and part of social development. Temperament and personality differences will make some children bigger worriers than others. If your child can face and overcome worries through positive methods, like talking with you and through enjoyable activities, then the anxiety is likely manageable and normal. Worries become concerning when they significantly affect your child’s functioning. Some children will be clingy, shy or refuse to participate in activities because of their fears. Significant crying, trouble sleeping or behavior problems related to worries can be warning signs of an anxiety problem. Should my child see a therapist, and what kind?  If worrying is causing your child to struggle at home, at school or socially, it may be time to seek outside help. In addition, if your child has panic attacks (extreme physical reactions to anxiety tha...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Ask the Expert Mental Health Parenting anxiety Department of Psychiatry Keneisha Sinclair-McBride worrying Source Type: news