4 Anxiety Treatment Options For Kids
While anxiety in children has been on the rise for the last decade, the American Psychological Association reports that the pandemic pushed the number even higher, with 20.5 percent of children worldwide now suffering from anxiety symptoms.
If your child is dealing with anxiety, your first thought may be to wonder what a child has to be anxious about. However, kids can be anxious about many things, including:
- Separation from parents or caregivers
- The dark
- Being alone
- Storms
- Animals
- School
- Changes in routine
- Death or illness
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help your child cope with anxiety. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few effective options that you can explore with your child's doctor. Here are four common anxiety treatments for kids.
1. Psychotherapy
One of the most effective anxiety treatments for kids is psychotherapy. This type of therapy can help children understand and manage their anxiety. It can also teach them healthy coping skills. There are different types of psychotherapy, but cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat anxiety in children because it has been shown to be effective.
2. Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques can be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms. Some popular relaxation techniques for kids include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, tapping, guided meditation, and visualization. These techniques can be taught by a therapist. studied from a book, or learned from an online resource. Once you know how to do them, you can practice them at home with your child.
3. Natural Remedies
Several natural remedies may help reduce anxiety symptoms in children. These include omega-3 fatty acids, herbs such as chamomile and lavender, and probiotics. Again, talking to your child's doctor before trying any natural remedies is important.
4. Medication
In some cases, medication may be recommended to treat a child's anxiety. Medication can help reduce symptoms and make it easier for a child to participate in therapy. However, it's important to remember that medication should be used alongside other treatment options, such as psychotherapy.
Anxiety is a growing problem in kids, but several effective treatment options are available. If your child is struggling with anxiety, talk to their doctor about the best course of action. In most cases, a combination of therapies will be most effective. With treatment, your child can learn to manage their anxiety and live a happy and healthy life.
For more information, contact a local clinic like BrainCore Therapy of Louisville.