Sam Jones Specialist Community Adviser, CAMHS. Anxiety in Children Sam Jones Specialist Community Adviser, CAMHS.

Emotional understanding ‘Inside Out’ description of emotions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx41SPMLBMg Do your children notice their emotions? If so , can they name them? What words do they use? What words do you use?

What do we mean by anxiety?

What is anxiety? Anxiety is a “normal” and protective response which occurs when we feel under threat. (real or perceived) It can also help us be more alert and focussed and can therefore be a positive motivating force (e.g. exams, job interview, stage performance). However, too much anxiety or constantly being anxious can be disabling and detrimental to our lives and relationships.

Childhood Anxiety It’s quite natural for children to worry and to be anxious at various stages of school and home life. Most children will learn how to manage their thoughts, feelings and emotions, but some may need extra support.

Understanding children’s anxiety Anxiety is a “normal” and protective response which occurs when we feel under threat. (real or perceived) It can also help us be more alert and focussed and can therefore be a positive motivating force (e.g. exams, job interview, stage performance). However, too much anxiety or constantly being anxious can be disabling and detrimental to our lives and relationships.

How anxiety effects us? CBT – use the parents examples Speech bubbles? Action cards ? Feeling words?

What's going on?

Anger and Challenging Behaviours Anxiety is often misinterpreted as Anger/ Challenging Behaviour in Children How a behaviour is understood can affect the responses given to it It can also lead to inappropriate labels/scapegoating Can go on to affect relationships with those that could be supportive.

The Problem with Avoidance ( running away) Children will try and avoid the things they fear or are anxious about (So will adults!) But this means that: We miss out on opportunities We never discover that there was nothing to fear We miss out on opportunities to learn coping skills And the longer we avoid the bigger the fear becomes. To push or not to push - What are the advantages/disadvantages of avoidance?

When is Anxiety a Problem? there isn’t a clear reason for it it disrupts a young person’s life at home or school on a regular basis the problem has gone but the feeling of fear or panic hasn’t it interferes with their ability to take part in activities their fear or worry seems out of proportion to the problem they become anxious or fearful more easily, or more often, or more intensely than other children Normalisation of negative emotions – its not all bad. Remember - children are still learning

Things you can do to help.

The Basics. Dietary considerations. Caffeine – tea, coffee, coke all have caffeine in it. This can aggravate anxiety and sleep problems. Try and limit it and don’t give three hours before bedtime Anxious children can get worse if they are hungry so encourage healthy snacking every 3 hours. Routines – Anxious children respond well to routines- especially around eating and sleeping . Exercise- regular, fun aerobic exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety These make a difference – why?

Parental modelling of anxiety Warning – Anxiety is contagious! Passing on own worry/phobia – use the examples of dentists/spiders etc. Model facing your own fears ….

Communicating with your anxious child We need to disguise our own anxieties when in company of our children (within reason) Watch your language Check your facial expressions Act/pretend that you are confident. Anxious/sensitive children will notice a change in your demeanour – be over the top!!! Anxiety is contagious – use previous slide Compensation – ask someone else of necessary to stand in for you.

When emotions take over…. The brain and how it copes with an increase in emotional demand. https://vimeo.com/222637418

Day to Day approaches Emotion awareness building- talk about how feelings feel. Clearly teach how to cope with uncomfortable feelings Have faith in your child and use a positive style of communication Find practical opportunities to build confidence and resilience Have a laugh together- use distraction Model facing your own worries/fears

Additional Strategies Identify what helps your child Use soothing sensory experiences Teach relaxation and calm breathing Share stores about overcoming fears Plan worry or talking times Tackle specific fears together with an agreed plan Be aware of increases in day to day stress and provide extra support if necessary Be consistent – work together with other family members, school etc. Help them to work out their own positive coping strategies-i.e what relaxes them? – Physical activity, a particular game/toy , snuggling on the sofa, company or time alone? Consider use of sensory soothing approaches such as smells, music, textures, warm baths/blankets Teach relaxation (tense and release) or use meditation or mindfulness CD’s/Apps Teach calm breathing (bubbles in the bath) Share or read stories about overcoming fears Plan a ‘Worry Time’ Prepare to tackle specific fears gradually with an agreed plan Be aware of the impact of any increase in environmental stress and offer additional individual support/comfort if necessary Consistency is key - work together with other family members, school/nursery for instance

Things to remember… Focus on developing a positive relationship with your child where there is good communication Ensure there are clear rules and routines at home. Listen to your child’s worries and normalise their experiences Be aware of your own emotions and disguise them if necessary Be prepared/aware of potential triggers and plan ahead Problem solve how situations could be tackled together age Teach positive coping strategies Model facing your own fears Praise any efforts they make to face their fears Choose your words carefully- be positive and confident. Having good relationships, good rules and routines, what is anxiety, listening to child, being aware of your own emotional states, use of praise and consistency, choice of language

Websites and Apps www.anxietybc.com www.headspace.com/meditation/kids www.youngminds.org.uk www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk

Books What to do when you worry to much? The Huge bag of Worries Starving the Anxiety Gremlin

Mindfulness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUcC71-W9Os

Thank You! Any questions?