The kids are worried sick

KIDS NOW TALKS TO AN EXPERT ON DEFINING ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AND WAYS TO PUT THEIR MINDS AT EASE.

“Anxiety is like a smoke detector,” Robyn Hucker from Shepparton Headspace said.

“At the time it’s been set off, it’s unable to distinguish the difference between if it’s just the toast burning or if the house is on fire.”

According to the Shepparton Headspace centre manager and accredited mental health social worker, we’re seeing an increase in anxiousness among young people since the pandemic.

Parents can ask one question to distinguish whether their child is experiencing plain stress or anxiety: does the feeling interfere with my child’s schooling, socialising, activities or life in general?

Robyn said parents could notice a biological response.

“It’s common for a child to feel sick, maybe a pain in the stomach, as anxiety triggers stress hormones which impact the gut,” she said. Other physical symptoms may include increased heart rate, rapid breathing, shaking, sweating, feeling light-headed or interruptions to sleep.

Robyn said withdrawal or avoidance, particularly of new or unfamiliar activities, was another factor to consider.

“It could be not wanting to go to social events like birthday parties, disliking a change in events and not participating in activities they don’t feel capable or confident in.”

As parents, it’s important to be able to understand and respect the needs of an anxious child and support them through their feelings, without reinforcing the fears.

“Validation goes a long way to acknowledging the anxiety is a real feeling,” Robyn said. An example of this is if your child is worried about ‘show and tell’, as it involves talking in front of the class.

It’s essential to address a child in a calm manner. Begin by asking why they’re nervous, even if the child cannot answer. Validate and acknowledge it can be scary by saying, ‘I know it’s hard to talk in front of people’ and try to give your child an example of when you as a parent were anxious.

The most effective coping mechanism of anxiety is simple, breathing.

If that fails, encourage your child to drink a big glass of water, as they can’t breathe quickly while drinking.

Through honesty, communication and support, both parents and children can take control.

Online formats like eheadspace, Kids Helpline and The Brave Program are available for further information and strategies.