Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks And Children

Most children face many forms of stress and it is often overlooked by parents and teachers. The stress may be due to things that occurred during the holidays and is now impacting the child negatively.
1. The separation of a loved one either from death, divorce or just moving a distance can create anxiety in a child. The anxiety created by the death of a fellow student who suffered a violent end that is becoming more common in our society and can lead to serious panic attacks. A recent occurrence of a teenager killing another who did not want to be friends with him and then jumping on to a highway left many of his fellow students with nightmares. When a child asks "Are you going to leave too"? it is time to talk about this issue.
2. A child may suffer physical abuse for no reason other than other students do not like his or her appearance or mode of dress. Parents need to be aware that these things can cause stress, anxiety and even panic attacks in children and be prepared to offer assistance or get assistance when necessary. Schools are now treating these incidents seriously and a student can be suspended or expelled for this bullying behaviour, so listen and take action when required.
3. Sexual abuse at a young age can lead to anxiety and panic attacks, especially if done by someone in a position of trust such as a family friend, a teacher, parent or relative. The child may wait for years before telling anyone of the cause of the anxiety. Parents could help when they become aware by offering to go to therapy with the child or at least be available to listen and be an advisor if necessary. Pre-training of your child so that the awareness is there can encourage early disclosure by the child.
4. Suicide is often a part of a child`s thinking. If the child is willing to tell you that he or she is thinking of killing himself or herself, you are lucky. A child who is suffering from anxiety and is brave enough to let someone know about the dark thoughts really is asking for help. Stress may be coming from peer pressure or from teachers who are critical instead of being helpful. Do all that you can to get to the bottom on the anxiety and prevent it from growing panic attacks and suicide?
5. No one cares is a common statement from young people who may be going through difficult times and friends can often tease rather than help. Anxiety can lead to loneliness and the child then becomes more alone. He or she may spend more time in the room watching TV or playing games by him or herself. As the panic attacks increase the child may not want to leave the room at all. Understanding the cause will lead to the solution.
Stress comes in many forms; teach children how to do self talk to deal with the issue, to listen to calming music, reading positive books and having fun are all ways of helping to relieve the stress and anxiety.
Florence Redman has coordinating conferences for educational, cultural and social organizations, including fundraising, selection of speakers, report writing and all other logistics. Currently, Florence provides information to assist peoples, especially women to manage anxiety and panic attacks using meditation and to guide people to find what is best for them. I encourage you to go to http://www.visitwithflo.com and sign into my slide box to receive 7 Tips: To Reduce Anxiety and Panic Attacks.
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