Adults are often diagnosed with anxiety disorders, but children, especially toddlers are prone to have the disorder as well. Preschoolers are prone to anxiety as they're exposed to changes in a rapid pace.
"Studies show that children's worries can be reduced if they learn habits that help them reduce anxieties - such as sharing worries, normalizing expectations, practice relaxation, and others - that he can use the rest of his life," according to Dr Michele Borba's website. "It's up to us to teach our kids coping strategies so they can use them to help them deal with whatever troubling event they encounter".
They may be overwhelmed with the changes that are going on as it'll take time for them to adjust to a new environment without their parents and meet new people. Anxiousness, panic attacks, and increased heart rates; these symptoms are usually present in an individual diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Though panic attacks are normal, some individuals go through it more frequent than others.
Panic attacks surface as a defense mechanism when an individual is going through severe stress or an uncomfortable environment. Though panic attacks in children can be outgrown, it is important to do something about it as it can turn out to be a long term mental health issue.
Listed below are a few tips on how to help a child face everyday life while suffering from anxiety disorder and panic attacks.
Listen and Support
Children suffering from anxiety need a strong support system, which should ideally start at home. It is important to listen to their fears and their worries, but don't talk them out of it. Though it is easier to reassure them by usually saying that "it's nothing" or "you'll be fine," it is, however, something crucial for the child.
Communication and Empathy
Rather than telling them to shake it off, let them talk about what they feel and acknowledge it. After the child would vent out how he/she feel, associate it with something that happened to you, for them to grasp the concept of empathy on your part as a parent, rather than just saying "I know how you feel."
