Anxiety in Youth
by Carol Braun
November 05, 2008
ANXIETY IN YOUTH
November 2008
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problems that
occur in children and adolescents. In fact, one large-scale study
showed as many as 13% of young people had an anxiety disorder in a
year. Symptoms for generalized anxiety disorder include exaggerated
worry and tension over every day events. Anxiety disorders can also
include:
•
Panic Disorder; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Phobias;
Separation Anxiety Disorder; Selective Mutism; and
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Anxiety can come from being overscheduled. Nadine Kaslow, Ph.D.,
psychologist, feels it is important for parents, schools and kids
to work together to determine “the optimal balance between
homework, extra-curricular activities, and time with friends and
time to just hang out.” It is important to schedule in free time
for kids, which sounds contradictory! But free time or down time is
very important for children. It allows time for creative play,
spending time with family and friends and time away from
competition. There is a great deal of pressure on kids to perform,
to compete and excel. Parents can let their children choose their
after school activities and choose how busy they want to be,
watching for signs of burnout.
Anxiety can also stem from being a perfectionist. Nationally, over
400,000 children ages 10-18 suffer from a clinical level of social
anxiety disorder, associated with the following negative feelings,
thoughts, and beliefs:
•
Fear of failure: perfectionists think failure in achieving goals is
the same as a lack of personal worth or value.
•
Fear of making mistakes: perfectionists think mistakes are equal to
failure.
•
Fear of disapproval: perfectionists fear that they will no longer
be accepted if others see their flaws.
•
All-or-nothing thinking: a perfectionist may feel that they are
worthless if their achievements are not perfect.
•
Overemphasis on “should”: The “shoulds” in a perfectionist’s life
may become strict rules.
•
Believing that others are easily successful: perfectionists may see
their own efforts as unending and inadequate, but other people’s
success happens with minimum effort, and few errors or stress.
Children need to learn that perfectionism is undesirable. These
suggestions can help parents teach their children to change their
thoughts and feelings about perfectionism:
•
Set realistic and reachable goals.
•
Set subsequent goals in a sequential manner.
•
Experiment with your standards for success.
•
Focus on the process of doing an activity, not just on the
outcome.
•
Use feelings of anxiety and depression as opportunities to ask
yourself if you have set up impossible expectations.
•
Confront the fears that may be behind the perfectionism.
•
Know that many positive things can only be learned by making
mistakes.
Know the difference between perfectionist behavior and that of the
healthy striver:
Sets standards beyond reach and reason. Sets high standards, just
beyond reach.
Is never satisfied by anything less than perfect. Enjoys process as
well as outcome.
Becomes depressed when fails or disappointed. Bounces back from
failure and disappointment.
Is fearful of failure and disapproval. Keeps anxiety and fear
within bounds.
Sees mistakes as evidence of unworthiness. Sees mistakes as
opportunities to grow.
Becomes overly defensive when criticized. Reacts positively to
helpful criticism.
(Source: Connect with Kids; 8-6-08)
Anxiety in Youth
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