With the new school year starting, it's common for children and teens to experience a mix of excitement and nervousness. However, for those who struggle with chronic anxiety, the return to school can be particularly overwhelming. According to mental health experts, parents must recognize the signs of anxiety in their children and provide the necessary support to help them cope.
Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety
Dr. Daniel Chorney, a child and adolescent psychologist in Halifax, shared the story of an 11-year-old girl who exhibited typical signs of anxiety that intensified as the school year began. Her anxiety manifested in physical symptoms like daily stomach aches and crying spells, and she was consumed with worry about seemingly minor issues, such as choosing the right outfit for the first day of school. Despite her parents' reassurances, her anxiety persisted, leading to ongoing distress even after school started.
This case highlights the importance of recognizing the signs of both generalized anxiety and social anxiety in children. Chorney emphasizes that kids with these disorders, as well as their parents, often need mental health support to navigate these challenges.
The Role of Parents in Managing Anxiety
Gillian Gray, a social worker with School Mental Health Ontario, advises parents to engage in open and empathetic conversations with their children. Rather than making assumptions about how a child feels, it's important to ask open-ended questions that allow them to express a range of emotions. For example, instead of asking, "Are you excited to start school?" a parent might ask, "How are you feeling about school starting?"
By encouraging children to talk about their specific worries, parents can help them develop coping strategies. Alisa Simon, executive Vice-President and chief youth officer at Kids Help Phone suggests discussing potential scenarios that might be causing anxiety and brainstorming possible solutions with the child. This approach helps children feel more empowered and equipped to handle situations that might otherwise cause them significant stress.
Managing Expectations and Building Resilience
Chorney also recommends shifting children's focus from worst-case scenarios to more realistic outcomes. He encourages them to consider three possibilities: a "future-bad" scenario driven by anxiety, a "future-good" scenario that's overly optimistic, and a "future-OK" scenario that's more realistic. This exercise helps children move away from extreme, pessimistic thinking and consider a range of potential outcomes.
It's also important for parents to avoid offering blanket reassurances like "everything's going to be fine." Instead, Chorney suggests a more nuanced approach: "Even when it's not all fine, you can get through it." This message reinforces the idea that challenges are a part of life, but they are manageable with the right support.
The Importance of Facing Fears
One of the most crucial points made by mental health experts is the importance of not allowing a child to avoid school due to anxiety. Avoidance can exacerbate anxiety over time, as it reinforces the child's fears. Instead, it's essential to encourage children to face their fears in a supportive environment.
Dr. Zoe Kichler, a child and youth psychiatrist at North York General Hospital, notes that the mainstay of treatment for anxiety is exposure to the anxiety-provoking situation. This approach helps children learn that they can cope with stress and challenges, ultimately reducing the power of their anxiety.
Resources for Support
For parents seeking additional support, several resources are available. Kids Help Phone offers free support 24/7, and parents can access resources from Anxiety Canada and School Mental Health Ontario. These organizations provide valuable tools and guidance to help families navigate the challenges of back-to-school anxiety.
As the new school year begins, parents need to stay attuned to their children's emotional needs and provide the necessary support to help them manage anxiety. By fostering open communication, realistic thinking, and resilience, parents can help their children navigate this transition with greater confidence and ease.
---
Sources:
Nicole Ireland, The Canadian Press. "Anxious child or teen going back to school? Here's what mental health experts say." Published August 31, 2024.
Commenti