Copyright © 2023 • Just 4 Kids Health
Worrying about your child is natural, but help and support are available at Just 4 Kids. Seeking advice for anxiety in kids and teens is crucial to manage their mental health, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of more severe symptoms. Professional care can help your child overcome mental health challenges in a safe, nurturing environment.
Anxiety is more common in kids than you may think. Recent CDC data shows that the prevalence of anxiety is rising, with approximately 11% of 3-17-year-olds in the US now affected by anxiety disorders. Levels have increased significantly since 2020.
Every parent wants their child to be happy and healthy. Anxiety is a natural human emotion and state of being, but it’s also a mental illness. Understanding the difference between anxiety as a reaction to specific scenarios or situations and anxiety as a disorder is important.
It’s understandable for your child to be worried or anxious if they’re taking an exam or trying something new. But feeling on edge all the time, being anxious in settings or situations that don’t cause others anxiety, and struggling to relax can be signs of an anxiety disorder. Just 4 Kids can help.
Common signs of anxiety in children and adolescents include:
Symptoms of anxiety in kids and teens vary based on factors including age and personality traits. Your child may display very different signs from another child, even if they are both experiencing the same emotion.
Anxiety can be linked to a wide range of triggers and contributing factors. Your child may be experiencing anxiety due to one or more of these occurrences:
If you’re wondering if anxiety is caused by “bad parenting,” rest assured that is most often not the case. Several factors work together to impact a child’s mental health. Children can develop anxiety regardless of their relationship with their parents and the influence their parents have on their lives.
Just 4 Kids specializes in mental health services for kids and teens in Eastern Idaho, delivering gentle, compassionate care. Our services are child-focused and developmentally appropriate, led by pediatric specialists with years of experience.
Professional mental health services for young people with anxiety include:
Just 4 Kids understands the importance of collaboration between care teams, parents, family members, schools, coaches, and primary care doctors. We do whatever we can to work with those who are invested in your child’s well-being for the best outcomes.
When to seek support for your child is a common dilemma many parents face. Anxiety becomes problematic when it interferes with your child’s daily life, poses a risk to their physical and mental health, and spirals into more severe symptoms. In these circumstances, we urge you to consider reaching out to Just 4 Kids for guidance:
Early intervention can help prevent more severe, long-term mental health issues. If you have any concerns about your child’s anxious feelings, it’s best to seek support sooner rather than later.
You know your child best. If their behavior has changed, they’re anxious for long periods, or they find it hard to relax, it’s probably time to seek support.
Medication can be used to treat anxiety, but it is commonly reserved for severe cases and instances where other approaches, such as counseling and individual therapy, haven’t achieved the desired results.
Every care plan we create is tailored to the individuals we meet with. The frequency of your child’s appointments will depend on the nature and severity of their symptoms, their availability, and more. Many children start with weekly or biweekly appointments that eventually taper off.
Talking to kids about anxiety isn’t always easy. When you open the conversation with your child, try to be patient, gentle, compassionate, and understanding. Don’t pressure them into talking if they aren’t ready. Instead, let them know you’re always there if they want to talk and make sure you listen. Reassure your child, encourage them, and offer them support. If you can’t find the words to say, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our pediatric specialists at Just 4 Kids.
If your child is having a panic attack or experiencing signs of severe anxiety, reassure them, stay with them, and help them ground themselves before seeking professional help.
Anxiety can be very worrying for parents. If you need help or advice, Just 4 Kids is here. For expert support and kid-friendly professional mental health services in Eastern Idaho, call (208) 534-7881 and schedule an appointment for your child now. We have same-day availability and are eager to help your child feel better.
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3320 So. 25th East
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83404
Phone: (208) 656-1500
Fax: (208) 656-1502
Copyright © 2023 • Just 4 Kids Health
(208) 534-7881