Understanding and Addressing Anxiety in Children as School Begins
As summer comes to a close and school resumes, not every child is filled with excitement. Many children feel anxiety and apprehension, which is a growing concern according to child psychologist Ulrika Hiscoke from Kry. She highlights that the recent increase in anxiety among children and adolescents can be attributed to a shifted school environment that places higher expectations on students.
The school setting can often feel harsh, with mounting pressures not only related to academic performance but also concerning social dynamics, such as clothing, appearance, and overall popularity. Furthermore, larger class sizes and heightened demands on teachers contribute to this challenging atmosphere.
Understanding how anxiety can manifest in children is crucial. While feelings of fear and worry are common among kids, persistent feelings of anxiety—those that interfere with their daily life—need attention. Ulrika notes that anxiety in children can exhibit physically through symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, nightmares, or an unwillingness to engage in activities alone. Extreme manifestations might include an intense desire to stay home and an overwhelming sense of dread about everyday activities.
It is important to remember that anxiety is a normal response to stressful situations. "Everyone experiences anxiety, and it plays a role in helping the brain react to potential dangers," Ulrika states. However, when anxiety escalates to the point where it impedes a child's ability to function normally, it can become a serious issue that requires intervention.
If you're a parent and suspect that your child is facing anxiety as the new term approaches, there are constructive steps you can take. First, it’s vital to validate your child's feelings. According to Ulrika, acknowledging that it’s normal for them to feel anxious about returning to a structured routine after the freedom of summer can be reassuring.
Communicate openly with your child about their feelings. Discuss the transition and how both of you can work together to ease the anxiety surrounding the start of a new school year. Highlight the positives: plan fun activities, set achievable goals, and create a sense of excitement about what the school year has to offer.
However, if you find that day-to-day life is becoming overwhelming for your child—especially if they experience panic attacks or exhibit an extreme fear of certain situations—it may be time to seek professional help. Kry offers support for both children and parents, providing a structured approach to manage anxiety effectively.
Kry presents a digital child psychiatric clinic where trained professionals assess and treat a range of issues such as: - Anxiety and worry - Sleep difficulties - Depression - Panic attacks - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Moderate PTSD - Behavioral problems - Social anxiety - Follow-ups for antidepressant medications - Simple neuropsychiatric assessments
With professional help readily available through Kry, parents can access expert care and guidance to navigate their child's mental health challenges. Whether via a quick call or an appointment in one of their 30 health centers, support is accessible and always free for children.
As we embrace the new academic year, it is essential that parents remain vigilant about their child's emotional well-being and take proactive steps to alleviate anxiety, ensuring they are well-supported as they transition back to school.
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