Please do not take your child's anxiety issues lightly. At any age. Not only teenagers are affected by anxiety and loss of self esteem. A very young child needs good positive self confidence reinforcement as well.
It is imperative that you listen carefully to what your child is telling you about how he feels. In what manner does he feel painfully disabled? What specifically is he experiencing? You may have to ask him rather forcefully, but lovingly, what is going on in his life. But, somehow, he must TALK to you. You may even have to do some behind the scenes investigating.
Anxiety is a serious health problem, for adults as well as children. Actually anxiety is quite common. In adults it is easier to find out the symptoms, but for children it is much more complex.
Does your child panic easily? Does he say he does not want to go to school? You must wonder why. Does he complain of an upset stomach, headache, muscle aches and pains? Does he relate sleeping problems, such as waking up in the night, or not being able to go to sleep? Have you noticed a change in his eating habits?
Is your kid irritable? We all are at times, but if this is more constant then you should take note. Does he have irrational fears, does he worry about "things", Does he cry a lot? What about his social ability? Does he have many friends? Have you noticed any trembling or shaking? Well, that would certainly get your attention.
All of the above should cause you great concern.
A young person does not have the life experience to understand what is going on, nor, even remotely how to deal with it. They only know that they do not "fit in". Self esteem and self confidence are non existent.
Many things may be contributors. A child's chance of developing anxiousness tends to run in families. Yes, there may be a genetic predisposition. Wow! You may be a carrier of a gene that is causing your kid to feel anxious enough to affect his ability to enjoy life.
Did you experience a similar disorder that perhaps was untreated when you were a child? Maybe it worsened as you grew older. Think about it.
Additionally, role models teach fear and anxiety, especially if there is any kind of physical or verbal abuse going on in the home. The loss of a loved one (death or divorce, etc) or moving from one place to another, will exacerbate a situation. Depressed or anxious kids will run away from the perceived dangerous circumstances. They will run physically, or back into their mind.
A child knows when he feels bad about himself. It's important to address the situation sooner rather than later. Now, would be a good time! You must seek professional advice. Consider more than one opinion.
Maureen Amberg
P.S. I have much more to talk about on this subject. Please watch for further articles AND have a look at my blog, please.
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