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Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety

Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety. Chris Lentner , M.A., C.A.G.S. Licensed School Psychologist Middle School Counselor (Grades 7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 8). What is Anxiety?. Medical Definition: A multisystem response to a perceived threat

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Don’t Worry, Be Happy! Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety

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  1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy!Helping Your Child Overcome Anxiety Chris Lentner, M.A., C.A.G.S. Licensed School Psychologist Middle School Counselor (Grades 7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 8)

  2. What is Anxiety? • Medical Definition: • A multisystem response to a perceived threat • The result of personal history and memory, biochemical changes in the body, and social situation • Anxiety is a uniquely human experience • Involves an ability to use memory and imagination to move backward and forward in time

  3. Is Anxiety the Same as Fear? Fear Fright ANXIETY

  4. We All Experience Anxiety! • Anxiety is a normal part of life • Childhood: First day of school • Adolescence: Presentations • Adulthood: Job Interviews And then there’s the BIG one… DATING!

  5. Causes • Anxiety is often the result of a frightening or traumatic situation • Stems from unpredictability / lack of control • Initial fear followed by lingering worry, concern, and dread when thinking about similar situations • Genetics • STRESS can trigger anxiety and panic attacks • Work, school, relationships, finances, illness, natural disasters

  6. Fight or Flight Response A defense reaction for self-preservation Chemicals released into the bloodstream Heightened awareness, increased pulse rate Can be beneficial or harmful

  7. Symptoms Physical Shortness of breath Dizziness Muscle aches / tension Sweating Headache Diarrhea Nausea

  8. Symptoms Psychological Persistent state of apprehension Nervousness Intense and sudden feelings of panic Feelings of losing control or going crazy Irrational / unrealistic fears Constant feeling of being overwhelmed Depression

  9. Symptoms Behavioral Avoidance of people, places, and situations Problems sleeping Difficulty concentrating Irritability / anger outbursts Withdrawal Dramatic mood swings Eating issues Excessive clinginess

  10. How Anxiety Can Manifest Itself In Adolescents Crying or having a tantrums before going to school Having an upset stomach before tests Wanting to stay home sick when they are not really sick Avoiding school-related assignments (procrastination) Not wanting to participate in class Worrying about what others are going to think “Freezing” when taking tests Perfectionism

  11. Types of Anxiety DisordersIn Children Childhood Anxiety Comes in Many Different Forms Separation Anxiety Disorder Overanxious Disorder / Generalized Anxiety Disorder Avoidant Personality Disorder Phobic disorders Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Anxiety associated with medical conditions Substance-induced anxiety disorder

  12. Diagnosis Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV TR) • Excessive anxiety and worry about a number of events or activities occurring more days than not for at least 6 months • Significant difficulty in controlling the worry • The presence of 3 or more of the following symptoms for most days over the previous six months: • Feeling wound-up, tense or restless • Easily becoming fatigued or worn-out • Concentration problems • Irritability • Significant tension in muscles • Difficulty sleeping

  13. Diagnosis (Continued) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV TR) Symptoms cannot be part of another mental disorder, nor can they be due to a substance or medical issue The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or problems functioning in daily life

  14. Treatment • Cognitive Behavior Therapy • A-B-C Format • Behavior Diary • Gradual Exposure • Relaxation Techniques • Deep Breathing • Progressive Muscle Relaxation • Yoga / meditation • Strengths-Based Approaches • Exercise, sleep, reduce caffeine • Medication

  15. What Can We (Parents) Do? • Predictability and consistency • Routines • Structure • Follow-through • Modeling • Encourage risk-taking • Reduce emphasis on success vs. failure • Increase emphasis on attempt and process • Identify and talk about feelings • Challenge irrational statements

  16. Face Your Fears

  17. Questions?

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