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Child & Youth Anxiety Support

Empowering your child to manage anxiety with compassionate, personalized therapy.

Child & Youth Anxiety

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Wholesome Psychology, Alberta, CA
Author: wholesome
Date: November 30, 2024

Understanding Child & Youth Anxiety

Child and youth anxiety is a growing concern, affecting young individuals in ways that can disrupt their everyday lives and well-being. While anxiety, in moderation, is a natural response that keeps us alert and motivated, when experienced excessively, it can become overwhelming, even for children. In a world that often feels overwhelming with social, academic, and emotional pressures, anxiety can manifest in various ways that may require support to manage effectively.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety in Children and Youth

Anxiety symptoms in children and youth can vary, but there are some common emotional and physical signs to watch for. Identifying these early can help guide the path toward effective support and treatment.

Emotional Symptoms

  • Excessive fears or worries about things that others may not perceive as scary.
  • Regressing to behaviors typical of younger children, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
  • Difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
  • Frequent mood swings or irritability.
  • A sudden drop in academic performance or interest in school activities.
  • Increased avoidance of social activities or withdrawal from friends and family.
  • Constant need for reassurance or excessive dependence on parents.
  • Heightened anxiety around everyday situations, leading to panic attacks or increased distress.

Physical Symptoms

  • Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.
  • Changes in appetite, such as overeating or loss of appetite.
  • Difficulty sleeping, including nightmares or restless nights.
  • Trembling, muscle tension, or feelings of restlessness.
  • Breathing issues, such as shallow breathing or difficulty taking deep breaths.
  • Self-harming behaviors or destructive tendencies.
  • Frequent exhaustion or fatigue due to disrupted sleep or constant worry.

When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help?

If your child is exhibiting any of the above symptoms and their daily activities are being disrupted—whether in school, social interactions, or their emotional well-being—it may be time to reach out for professional help. Anxiety can affect children in different ways, but when it begins to impact their happiness, academic performance, or ability to engage with their peers, addressing it with appropriate treatment can bring significant relief.

Effective Treatment Methods for Anxiety in Children and Youth

Fortunately, anxiety is a treatable condition, and there are several effective therapy options tailored to the unique needs of children and youth. These therapies are designed to address both the emotional and physical aspects of anxiety, promoting long-term healing and resilience.

Common Therapies for Children and Youth Anxiety

  • Art Therapy: Ideal for younger children or those with developmental delays, art therapy uses creative expression to help children explore their feelings and emotions. This non-verbal therapy is particularly effective when children struggle to express themselves through words.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps children identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. It equips them with practical tools to manage their emotions and improve coping strategies.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on emotional regulation and teaches skills to handle stress, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop healthier coping mechanisms for emotional challenges.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This evidence-based therapy is effective for trauma and anxiety. It uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) to help the brain process distressing memories and emotions in a healthy way.
  • Family Systems Therapy: Family systems therapy looks at the family dynamic as a whole, addressing how family relationships can influence a child’s anxiety and providing strategies to improve communication and support.

How Our Therapists Can Help Your Child

At Wholesome Psychology, we understand how difficult it can be to watch your child struggle with anxiety. Our compassionate, certified therapists in Canada are experienced in working with children and adolescents to create personalized treatment plans that fit their unique needs. We take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy, ensuring that your child’s healing journey is as individualized and empowering as possible.

With our support, children can learn to manage their anxiety and develop resilience, leading to a more fulfilling, balanced life. Whether through individual therapy or family counseling, our team is here to help your child thrive.

Getting Started with Therapy

If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your child or teen, it’s never too early to seek support. At Wholesome Psychology, we are committed to making therapy approachable, accessible, and effective. Our therapists specialize in helping children and adolescents, providing a safe, supportive space for healing and growth. Plus, with our “First Session 50% OFF” offer, you can take the first step toward finding the right therapist for your child’s needs with ease.

For more information or to book a session, contact us today. Our team is here to help guide you and your child toward a brighter, more balanced future.

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