Anxiety can be a reaction to stress, but when it becomes excessive or constant, it can disrupt a child’s everyday life. Common signs of anxiety in children include trouble sleeping, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or frequent worries about things that may seem minor.

If you’ve noticed your child showing signs of anxiety, know that you’re not alone. Resources like child and teen therapy at New Directions Mental Health can provide guidance and personalized tools to help your child build resilience and confidence. Call 724.374.7414 to get your child an appointment to begin their path to mental wellness.

Skills to Help Manage Anxiety in Children

Managing anxiety in children can be a challenging and overwhelming task for parents. However, there are some practical skills that you can teach your child to help them cope with their feelings of anxiety.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing exercises are an easy and effective way to help your child manage their anxiety. Teach them to take slow, deep breaths through their nose and exhale slowly through their mouth. This technique helps to calm the mind and body by increasing oxygen flow and reducing heart rate.

Positive Self-Talk

Encouraging positive self-talk is crucial in helping children combat negative thoughts that often accompany anxiety. Teach your child to recognize when they are having negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” they can say, “I may struggle, but I will try my best.”

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be beneficial in reducing anxiety in children. This involves teaching your child to focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. Activities such as yoga, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation are great ways to help your child learn these skills.

Open Communication

One of the most powerful tools for managing anxiety in children is creating an environment where they feel safe to talk about their feelings. Start by asking open-ended questions like, “What made you feel happy today?” or “What’s something that’s been worrying you?” These conversations can help children express their emotions and feel understood.

Establish Predictable Routines

Children thrive in environments with structure and predictability. Establishing consistent routines can help reduce anxiety by giving children a sense of control and stability. For example, having a set bedtime routine or schedule for schoolwork can help ease anxious thoughts about the unknown.

Tools to Empower Your Child

Aside from learning coping skills, there are tools that can empower your child to manage their anxiety effectively.

Journaling

Encourage your child to write down their thoughts and feelings in a journal. This allows them to reflect on their emotions and identify patterns or triggers for their anxiety.

Creative Outlets

Art, music, and other creative outlets can be powerful tools in managing anxiety in children. These activities provide a healthy outlet for emotions and can boost confidence and self-expression.

Support Groups

Joining a support group with other children who experience similar struggles can help your child feel less alone in their journey. It also provides an opportunity for them to learn from other’s experiences and share their own.

Seeking Professional Help

If your child’s anxiety is significantly impacting their daily life, seeking mental health support is crucial. Child and teen therapy can provide personalized strategies and support to help your child manage their anxiety effectively. New Directions Mental Health can provide individualized therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs. Call 724.374.7414 to schedule an appointment for your child.

Raising Awareness for Children’s Mental Health Matters

A few yearly initiatives aim to raise awareness and support for children’s mental health, one of them being Children’s Mental Health Week (February 3–9). This week-long event is recognized by schools, organizations, and individuals worldwide to promote the importance of supporting children with mental health issues. It also serves as a reminder that it’s essential to prioritize and educate children about their mental well-being.

Then there is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4–10). It’s an opportunity to educate and encourage children, parents, and schools to prioritize mental health and get involved in activities that support mental well-being. Raising awareness and offering resources and support for children’s mental health is an essential step toward creating a society that prioritizes and supports the mental well-being of our future generations.

At New Directions Mental Health, we advocate for children’s mental health and offer various services to support children and families in their path to improving mental well-being. We believe that with the proper tools, skills, and support, every child can overcome anxiety and thrive. Let’s work together to create a world where every child can thrive.

Call New Directions Mental Health for Support with Your Child’s Mental Health

With our compassionate team of therapists and personalized approach, we strive to provide the best care for every child in need. If you have concerns about your child’s mental well-being or are looking for resources to support them, please call 724.374.7414 today.

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