How To Help Children And Youth Suffering From Anxiety
Frequent
There are many kinds of anxiety, many levels of intensity and risk, and many causes. It is essential to seek medical care for anxiety as soon as possible. There are some children & youth who may get some relief from the practices below when they are used in conjunction with western medical care. Try any of these practices only with the cooperation of your child or youth’s primary physician. Without treatment, anxiety can be painful and may slow or stop learning, lower self-esteem, lead to social isolation, depression, physical illness. It can cause havoc with the child or youth’s reputation and how others treat the child or youth. Frequent anxiety can be due to a combination of: genetics, prolonged stress; unresolved abuses and traumas of all kinds; family patterns; nutrition imbalances; exposure to environmental pollutants.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On Our Own We Would Try: • Less or No TV, Movies, Video/Computer Games • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Long Walks/Hikes • Nature • Bedtime Stories and Chats • Wholesome Pleasures • Back Rubs and Foot Massages • Pets . |
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For Parents: • Get a medical evaluation. • Give your family the best food you can afford. • Explore biofeedback devices such as E-wave from HeartMath. • Remember that the child or youth’s fears and anxieties are forms of communication that tell you that you need to give the child or youth assistance. • Try to see the world through the child or youth’s young eyes. Think of what might be upsetting or confusing to your vulnerable child or youth. • Never belittle or cater to the fears but do acknowledge them. • Consider if expectations are too high. • Look up local resources on the Internet, at school and in the community for parenting skills and support. • Beware of drug ads on the Internet. • Kids like calm, relaxed structure, predictability, novelty, encouragement and parental support/faith. Get help and learn how to give the child or youth effective, consistent routines and opportunities for success. • Engage the child or youth in regular, fun, physical activity. • Find and express faith that everything will work out well. Check out: www.MedLinePlus.gov; www.KidsHealth.org; www.traumasoma.com/index.shtml (very technical); www.acestudy.org. |