The expression ‘anxiety disorders’ frequently causes us to think about harried stock brokers, parents having trouble meeting the necessary chores of work and parenthood or those who have experienced mood disorders or anxiety attacks. Kids do not seem to correspond to this characterization at all! They are, obviously, young. Kids have not had enough life experience to have suffered those tragic “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”. What could kids possibly have to be worried, depressed or anxious about? And besides, kids are irrepressible. They rally back from pretty well anything. Correct? Then what is the furor to do with early intervention for stress disorders?
In order to eliminate some of the myths, why don’t we examine some of the facts. Research has indicated that anything from 15 to 25 percent of kids aged 8 years to 17 years will be diagnosed with an anxiety illness. While it is expected to face some measure of stress in our day-to-day lives, a smaller percentage ofschoolchildren will experience anxiety to the point that it prevents their capability to succeed in daily life during an extended period of time.
It is sensible that a kid who is over-anxious will be less likely to achieve success in school. Rational thinking would also help us reach the conclusion that an anxious young person is less able to be successful in social activities. Indeed, research has demonstrated that a reduction in anxiety levels will provide multiple pay-offs for youngsters, including a boost in academic performance and improved social standing.
The last fifteen years has seen the introduction of powerful treatment plans for youngsters afflicted with anxiety disorders. In particular, various psychological intervention alternatives have produced successful outcomes. One of the most essential behavioural elements of therapy has been the practice of relaxation strategies. Fortunately there are numerous outstanding resources available to assist in teaching children these strategies. And these exercises can be taught at school or at home. As it happens, many mental health researchers advocate the direct teaching of these techniques to all children as they can act as a preventative measure against the future onset of anxiety disorders.