In this digital age, we are continuously bombarded with information and instant news, which is often twisted and exaggerated. Most often the news is about negative incidences, a cursory glance at online news and Social media shows the amount of negative content. All this has naturally resulted into much higher levels of anxiety about the safety of our self and our family.

Children too are privy to this content and it is not surprising that there is bound to be much heightened level of anxiety in children as compared to earlier times. While all children during their growing up stages experience some kind of anxiety (about various different things), they generally overcome it with age. However, various studies are indicating to the rise of much higher levels of Anxiety and related disorders in children and Parents / Guardians should not simply overlook the issue.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a form of stress, it mainly relates to worrying about what might happen — worrying about things going wrong or feeling like you are in some kind of danger. Anxiety is as such a normal human reaction and serves an important ‘response’ function. The distinction between ‘normal’ anxiety and an Anxiety related disorder is often not simple, however if you believe that your / your child’s worries are preventing you / your child from leading a normal life, you should seek assistance.

Simple signs to watch out for

While children will confide their little fears / worries and these can be dealt with by comforting the child, do keep an eye on the following few signs, which could indicate a more serious issue

• Excessive worry about things in general or any specific issue for a long time
• Trouble sleeping at night or sleepiness during the day
• Restlessness or fatigue during waking hours
• Trouble concentrating
• Irritability
• Continuously trying to avoid any situation

What can Anxiety lead to?

Children with higher levels of anxiety can develop anxiety related disorders, the following are some of the conditions that may develop

• General Anxiety disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorders
• Phobias (Excessive fear of a certain event / situation)
• Depression
• Low self esteem

What can you do as parents?

As with anything to do with Children, parents can play a vital role in helping children overcome their anxiety:

• Set the right examples – As adults it is important to not show excessive fear / panic in front of children or discuss exaggerated situations. Keep a positive outlook. Positivity spreads and rubs off easily
• Never scold / taunt a child for his / her fears, create an environment where they can openly communicate without the worry of being judged
• Do simple exercises with your child e.g. every time the child indicates heightened anxiety, ask the child to note down the worry and then see if that situation happens. When the child sees that the negative event did not happen, slowly the anxiety will disappear.
• Keep an eye on the anxiety in your child, if you believe the condition has not improved or it has deteriorated, be open to seeking professional help