My Child's Anxiety Is Giving Me Anxiety!

Unfortunately, anxiety is a common issue that many children experience but parents often feel helpless as nothing they say to comfort their child seems to help. 

Understanding why children may feel anxious, recognising the triggers, symptoms, and behaviours associated with anxiety, and knowing how to support them can make a significant difference in their lives. In Cardiff, as in the rest of the UK, awareness of childhood anxiety is growing and parents are increasingly seeking ways to help their children navigate these challenges.

Why Do Children Feel Anxious?

Children may experience anxiety for a variety of reasons. Developmental stages, environmental factors, and individual temperament all play a role. For instance, children are naturally prone to anxiety as they encounter new experiences, such as starting school, making new friends or facing changes in their family dynamics.

Additionally, external factors such as academic pressure, social media influence and exposure to stressful situations can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

 

According to a report by the Mental Health Foundation 1 in 8 children and young people in the UK have a mental health disorder, with anxiety being one of the most prevalent issues.

Common Triggers of Anxiety in Children

Triggers for anxiety can vary widely among children. Some common triggers include:

  1. Separation Anxiety: Many younger children experience anxiety when separated from their parents or caregivers, especially during transitions like starting school.
  2. Social Situations: Interactions with peers can be daunting, leading to anxiety about fitting in or being judged.
  3. Academic Pressure: As children progress in their education, the pressure to perform well can lead to anxiety about grades and assessments.
  4. Family Changes: Events such as divorce, moving to a new home, or the arrival of a new sibling can create feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
  5. Exposure to Stressful Events: Witnessing or experiencing traumatic events, whether at home or in the community, can trigger anxiety responses.
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I can support your child with these emotional challenges at my therapy room in Cardiff

Symptoms and Behaviours of Anxiety in Children

Recognising the symptoms of anxiety in children is crucial for timely intervention. Symptoms can manifest in both emotional and physical ways, including:

  • Emotional Symptoms: Excessive worry, fearfulness, irritability, or mood swings. Children may express feelings of dread or apprehension about specific situations.
  • Physical Symptoms: Complaints of stomach aches, headaches, or fatigue without a clear medical cause. Children may also exhibit changes in sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or frequent nightmares.
  • Behavioural Symptoms: Avoidance of certain situations, clinginess, or withdrawal from social interactions. Some children may display tantrums or meltdowns when faced with anxiety-inducing scenarios.

In Cardiff, local schools and health services are increasingly aware of these symptoms, providing resources and support for families dealing with childhood anxiety.

How Parents Can Help Their Children Overcome Anxiety

Parents play a vital role in helping their children manage anxiety. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings. Create a safe space where they can express their worries without judgment. Use open-ended questions to facilitate discussion.
  2. Model Coping Strategies: Demonstrate healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing, mindfulness or positive self-talk. Children often learn by observing their parents.
  3. Establish Routines: Consistent daily routines can provide a sense of security for anxious children. Predictability helps them feel more in control of their environment.
  4. Gradual Exposure: If your child has specific fears, gradually expose them to the source of their anxiety in a controlled manner. This could involve role-playing social situations or visiting new places together.
  5. Encourage Problem-Solving: Help your child develop problem-solving skills by discussing potential solutions to their worries. This empowers them to take an active role in managing their anxiety.

When Anxiety Impacts Daily Life

If anxiety significantly interferes with your child’s daily life—such as affecting their ability to attend school, participate in activities or maintain friendships—it may be time to seek professional help. Don’t delay in taking action! 

According to the NHS, approximately 5% of children aged 5-16 years in the UK have an anxiety disorder, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues early.

I will work with your child in my therapy room in Cardiff and arm them with strategies to help them adjust their thinking and behaviour.

Have you had any of the following experiences when you have tried to seek advice:

  • Doctor/school being dismissive, viewing anxiety as a phase that children will outgrow.
  • Poor communication between healthcare providers and school, making you feel caught in the middle and unable to implement effective strategies.
  • Long waiting lists for mental health services delaying support for your child.
  • Feeling overwhelmed by your child’s anxiety, finding it hard to articulate your concerns clearly during appointments or meetings.
  • Worry that you will be blamed for your child’s anxiety.

How can I help?

I am an NLP Practitioner based in Cardiff who specialises in working with children, offering support and teaching a range of techniques that they can adopt to overcome stress and anxiety. Don’t let school-related stress hinder your child’s growth. Embrace the transformative power of NLP and pave the way for a brighter, more confident future. Together, let’s empower your child to not only cope with mental health challenges but to flourish in the face of them.

I’ve submitted an enquiry, what happens next?

Once I receive your enquiry, I’ll give you a call to introduce myself, answer any questions you may have and book a free online consultation for you and your child.

During the 30-40 minute consultation, you, your child and I will have a chat together so we can get to know each other and I can understand what you child believes is the cause of their issues. I will aim to put them at ease so they feel comfortable before meeting me in person.

We will agree a time and date for your child’s first face to face appointment in a beautiful therapy room in central Cardiff. This session will last 50 minutes. The cost of the sessions are £90 each.

 

FAQs

 

 

  1. What’s the difference between NLP and CBT?

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is similar to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as they are both talking therapies. The main difference between the two is that CBT focuses on managing current thinking and behavioural patterns, whereas NLP taps into the unconscious mind. This helps to discover where a belief stems from and then eliminate it at its roots.

  1. Some of the CBT and counselling sessions I have found seem much cheaper. Why does NLP cost more?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapists and Counsellors often work with their clients over a number of months. NLP offers a quicker solution as it teaches the clients techniques that they can draw on as and when they need them. These techniques can be used throughout the client’s life.                                        

  1. How many sessions will my child need?

This depends on the issue that your child would like to address, but on average, I see clients 5-6 times.

  1. Should I attend the face to face sessions with my child?

Following the initial consultation with you and your child, I find that the face to face sessions work better on a one to one basis. Children often defer to their parents to do the talking when they are in the room, so your child will get more out of the session, answer honestly and concentrate more if parents are not watching over. I will however ensure I send you an email after the sessions to confirm how things are going.

  1. Where do the sessions take place

Consultations will be conducted via Zoom and 1-2-1 sessions take place in a beautiful therapy room in Central Cardiff. The address is:

The Body Mind Clinic, 128 Newport Road, Cardiff CF24 1DH

Free parking for clients.

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