Anxiety
Everyone has feelings of anxiety which is normal and part of being a human being. However, in certain situations anxiety can become more intense and when this happens, we experience the Flight, Freeze or Fight sensation. This is our body protecting us and keeping us safe
There are 2 very important things to always remember
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It is not your fault that sometimes you feel overwhelmed by your anxiety and that it will pass
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Sometimes the feeling is so terrible we can worry that we might not survive it BUT we always do.
What are the signs of anxiety in children?
When young children feel anxious, they cannot always understand or express what they are feeling. You may notice that they:
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become irritable, tearful or clingy
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have difficulty sleeping
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wake in the night
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start wetting the bed
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have bad dreams
In older children you may notice that they:
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lack confidence to try new things or seem unable to face simple, everyday challenges
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find it hard to concentrate
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have problems with sleeping or eating
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have angry outbursts
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have a lot of negative thoughts, or keep thinking that bad things are going to happen
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start avoiding everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to school
Parent Course
Learning Space runs a Parent Anxiety Course. You can register directly by clicking on the poster below
Useful Websites
Your online mental wellbeing community - Free, safe and anonymous support
We are leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.
Whether you have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that’s affecting your daily life, we’re here to help you; fully supported by an expert team of medical advisors.
Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning.
Book Recommendations for supporting Children
There are hundreds of books available for anxiety but the following have been found useful by other parents
Hey Warrior
Kids can do amazing things with the right information. Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from is a powerful step in turning anxiety around. Anxiety explained, kids empowered. Key themes of: anxiety, self-care and positivity.
by Karen Young
ISBN: 978-1912678006
The Panicosaurus: Managing Anxiety in Children
This fun, easy-to-read and fully illustrated storybook will inspire children who experience anxiety. Parents and carers will like the helpful introduction, explaining anxiety in children, and the list of techniques for lessening anxiety at the end of the book.
by K.I. Al-Ghani
ISBN: 978-1849053563