Does Child Therapy Work For Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues reported, and unfortunately, are widely prevalent among children as well as adults. 

While anxiety issues are difficult for adults to handle, anxiety disorders in children may create unique challenges that often leave parents at a loss. As a child's brain is still in the process of growing, the presence of anxiety disorders can interfere with a child's healthy development. 

Behavioral issues and negative coping strategies are just two of the consequences that can occur as a result of untreated anxiety issues in children, so it is crucial that children who may struggle with anxiety receive proper treatment in order to prevent the worst of these complications.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.It doesn't mean your weak, it means you're wise.

Cupcake Ipsum, 2015

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders in Children 

While it was previously believed that children could not suffer from anxiety disorders, research in the past few decades has proven this belief to be false. Many children do, in fact, struggle with anxiety disorders, and these conditions can present in children as young as 2 or 3 years old. 

Despite the prevalence of anxiety disorders in children, oftentimes these conditions go undiagnosed, as children may present with different symptoms than an adult would. It is therefore important that parents understand the signs of anxiety disorders in children. Your child may be suffering from an anxiety disorder if they display any of the following symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Lack of interest in school or extracurricular activities
• Insomnia
• Acting out
• Excessive and inappropriate fears (such as health fears, strangers, etc.)

Anxiety disorders are complex conditions, with many different factors playing a role in their development. 

Genetic factors, as well as environmental triggers, may play a role in the onset of anxiety. Additionally, comorbid disorders such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and other health issues may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders in a child. 

It is important to get your child assessed by a trained professional if you believe they may be struggling with an anxiety disorder.

Getting Help 

While anxiety disorders may be frightening for both the child and the parent, they are among the most treatable of all mental health conditions. Methods of treatment differ from child to child, and only a specialist can recommend the proper course of treatment for your child, but many find that a combination of medication and therapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety significantly in children.

Certain types of therapy, such as play therapy, are particularly useful in helping a child cope with their anxiety. 

Play therapy is a unique form of therapy in which counselors use toys and games to help a child express feelings they may lack the words to verbalize. 

By exploring these feelings in a safe, supportive environment, children are able to process their feelings and their relation to their environment, helping to foster a healthy sense of self-esteem and feelings of competence over one's environment. 

These feelings are crucial to the prevention of anxiety, and play therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in helping children cope with the negative thoughts and feelings that come with anxiety.

Whichever method of treatment is right for your child, help is out there. If your child is struggling with anxiety, our team at Overcomers Counseling are prepared to help you along this journey to greater self-confidence and a strong sense of self-esteem. 

Call us today or send us an e-mail.  We look forward to meeting with you and your child.