CHILDHOOD ANXIETY

Childhood anxiety is often a tricky issue for parents. After all, who hasn't felt afraid or worried before? Don't all children go through fears? What child hasn't been afraid to separate from a parent or been afraid of the dark? Isn't fear just a part of the human experience? These are just some of the questions I have seen parents faced with when wondering, "When is it time to intervene?" And while the answer to all of these questions is yes, many children and adolescents still suffer from a higher level of anxiety than what is considered to be a part of normal development. To make things even more confusing, children and adolescents are more likely to report physical symptoms of anxiety (headaches, stomachaches, etc...) rather than to say they feel anxious or worried. So, how does a parent know when it is too much?

• Do these fears interfere with the ability to engage in activities or events?
• Do these fears interfere with the ability to concentrate or recall information?
• Do they affect academic functioning? Social functioning?
• Do these fears interfere with the ability to try new things?
• Are these fears causing conflict at home or with others?
• Do they provoke tantrums or mood swings?
• Do I notice an onset of physical symptoms before certain events or activities, such as going to school, parties, tests, sports events, etc...
• Does my child (or I) freeze up when facing something he/she is afraid of?
• Does my child (or I) spend a large amount of time engaged in rituals, compulsions, or repetitive behaviors, in response to these fears?
• Does my child (or I) become stuck on thoughts about these fears?
• Would life be significantly easier or better if these fears were gone or more easily managed?
• Would my child (or I) be happier and more able to enjoy life if these fears were absent?
• Is my child's functioning or ability to engage in life impaired due to these fears?
• Would my relationship with my child be improved if we could manage these fears better together?

These are some of the questions I would consider when determining whether or not a child's fears are the result of normal development. While fear is a part of the human experience, if it impairs a child's ability to enjoy life in some way, then it is time to take a look at it.

I often hear the parents of anxious children say, "I just want him/her to be a kid and not to worry so much. I want them to enjoy life."

Every parent wants their child to enjoy the carefree experience of childhood. With treatment, children can learn the skills needed to manage their fears now and in the future. It is my goal to help children and adolescents face their fears in a manner that builds confidence and allows them to stop avoiding activities and situations that others are able to freely enjoy. I also aim to help parents learn how to respond more effectively to their children so that they can help decrease anxiety while increasing closeness in the relationship. I do this through a combination of strategies including relaxation training, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and parental support.

For more information on overcoming childhood anxiety, call 773-882-0373 or email me at dr_dmarino@yahoo.com