2. Anxiety is the mind and body's reaction to
stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar
situations. It's the sense of uneasiness,
distress, or dread you feel before a
significant event. A certain level of
Anxiety helps us stay alert and aware,
but for those suffering from an anxiety
disorder, it feels far from normal - it can
be completely debilitating.
What is
Anxiety?
3. Common Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety
Constant and persistent worry
Edginess, nervous or jumpy
Reluctance or refusal to go to school or other activities
Agitation
Restlessness
Inattention, poor focus
Somatic symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
Avoidance
Tantrums
Crying
Meltdowns before school about clothing, hair, shoes, socks or after school about homework
Difficulties with transitions within school, and between school and an activity/sport
Difficulty settling down for bed
Having high expectations for school work, homework and sports performance
4. Different
types of
Anxieties
PHOBIAS:
WHEN FEARS ARE
OUT OF CONTROL
SEPARATION
ANXIETY:
FEAR OF BEING AWAY
FROM FAMILY
GROWN-UPS
GENERALIZED
ANXIETY DISORDER:
CONSTANT
WORRYING FOR
MONTHS AT A TIME
PANIC ATTACKS:
FEAR THAT STOPS
YOU IN YOUR
TRACKS
OBSESSIVE-
COMPULSIVE
DISORDER:
THOUGHTS AND
ACTIONS YOU JUST
CAN'T STOP
POST-TRAUMATIC
STRESS DISORDER:
STRESS AND FEAR
FROM A TERRIBLE
MEMORY
8. Everyone occasionally feels
blue or sad. But these feelings
are usually short-lived and
pass within a couple of days.
When you have depression, it
interferes with daily life and
causes pain for both you and
those who care about you.
Depression is a common but
serious illness.
What is
Depression?
10. Common Signs/Symptoms of Depression
The signs and symptoms of childhood depression include:
Changes in appetite -- either increased appetite or decreased
Changes in sleep -- sleeplessness or excessive sleep
Continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and low energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Impaired thinking or concentration
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Irritability or anger
Physical complaints (such as stomachaches or headaches) that do not respond to treatment
Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school or during extracurricular activities, or
when involved with hobbies or other interests
Social withdrawal
Thoughts of death or suicide
Vocal outbursts or crying
https://www.webmd.com/depression/childhood-depression#1
11. Ways to Prevent Depression
Eating a balanced diet
Getting regular exercise
Seeking treatment immediately upon first notice of symptoms of
depression, or symptoms that are getting worse- such as feelings of
hopelessness, sadness or loss of interest or pleasure in most
activities.
Maintaining a regular sleep pattern
Avoiding drugs and alcohol
Taking more time for oneself
Spending time with friends and family getting involved in different
activities of interest
Taking to clergy or spiritual advisors who may help give meaning to
painful experiences.
12. Are you noticing different patterns in
behavior?
Changes in eating/sleeping patterns.
Withdrawing/isolating
Reports of changed behavior by teachers,
child care providers, friends and family
Is your child/teen withdrawing and not
willing to talk to you?
Does your child/teen share that he or she
is sad, lonely and/or worried?
Have there been significant life changes or
losses (moving, friendship loss, illness or
injury, divorce or separation, death of a
friend or family member)
Has your child/teen been the victim of
bullying?
How Do I
Know if my
Child or
Teen Needs
Help?
13. Treatment for
Anxiety and
Depression in
Children and
Teens
Counseling specific approaches including
Play therapy, TBRI, CBT, EMDR
Relaxation training
Medication/Supplements/Vitamins
Psychological assessment/testing for specific
disorders such as ADHD
What is the difference between a
Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Counselor?
14. Recommended Resources
What to Do When You're Scared & Worried by James J. Crist
Freeing Your Child From Anxiety by Tamar Chansky
You and Your Anxious Child by Anne Marie Albano
The Anxiety Workbook for Kids by Robin Alter & Crystal Clarke
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety
By Dawn Huebner
Don't Let Your Emotions Run Your Life by Sheri Van Dijk
What Do I Do When Teenagers are Depressed and Contemplate Suicide? By
Steven Gerali