1. Gifted Children Successfully Riding the Wave of Anxiety
Dr. Suzanne Nixon
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved
Do not copy without permission

2. Evening Program Anxiety Our Anxious Children & Teens The Gifted Child
Stress Response
Managing Anxiety: How Parents Can Help Their Children
Skills & Tools

3. Anxiety Is Normal An essential biological response
Alerts us to an external threat or danger
Activates all systems of the body
Prepares us for fight, flight, flee or freeze response
Serves to protect us

4. Anxiety Disorders Most Common Mental Health Illness in the US
40 million adults
31.9% of adolescents
Female teens, 38%, male teens, 26.1%
Separation anxiety & phobias begin to appear by age 7
Only 36.9% receive treatment

5. SPECT Brain Scans Demonstrate Anxiety is
A Biological Disorder,
Which Effects Our
Psychology & Behavior
“Erase the thought: Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.”

6. Signs & Symptoms Moderate to Severe Anxiety
Moderate to excessive worry
Fear
Difficulty concentrating
Muscle tension
Irritability
Feelings of dread
Easily fatigued
Eating problems
Stomach aches, headaches
Sleep problems
Heightened sense of awareness of potential threats
Diminished joy
Lack of interest in activities
Isolation
Avoiding activities

7. 6 Factors Contributing to Childhood Anxiety
Nature ~ Nurture ~ Environment
Strong Genetic Component
An Anxious Parent
Life Events & Traumas Real or Perceived Loss of Control
Chaotic, Rigid & Pressured Environments
Unsafe Environments
Parenting Style

8. Why are Children & Teens More Anxious Today?
Faced paced, hectic life
Intensity of Social Media
Peer Relationships/Bullying
Overscheduled
Pressure to Achieve
Lack of Emotional/Social Skills
Lack of Play & Free Time
Over-controlling Parenting
Over-protective Parenting

9. Traits of the Gifted Child
“Gifted children tend to have intense, sensitive natures.”*
Active Minds & Higher Level Thinking
Sensitive & Empathetic (Overexcitability)
Imaginative & Creative
Perfectionistic & High Sense of Achievement
Acute Sense of Justice
*Dr. Barbara Clark, California State University of Los Angeles

10. “Gifted Kids Are More Susceptible to Becoming Anxious. ” Dr
“Gifted Kids Are More Susceptible to Becoming Anxious.” Dr. Dan Peters, Psychologist/Author

11. Stress Can Contribute to Anxiety Normative Stress Modern Day Stress

12. Anxiety Can Be a Result of Stress What Happens During a Stress Response?

13. Recovering from a Stressful Episode What You Need to Know
“Exhaustion Phase” –A natural calm down response Constant modern day stress, with no down time, creates a continual biological state of internal stress This can led to “emotional breakdowns” and over time manifest into an anxiety disorder

14. Riding the Wave of Anxiety Notice Your Experience ~Body Sensations ~Thoughts ~Stress Level

15. How Do You Create Calm?

17. Managing Anxiety How Parents Can Help
Create a Healthy Home Environment Positive Parenting & Modelling Behavior Communicate with Emotional Intelligence Encourage Positive Social Interactions Skills & Tools to Reduce Anxiety

18. Healthy Home Environment Safe, Dependable, Consistent
Provide Structure & Routine
Calm Through Ambiance
Less Chaos, More Order
Foster Connection
Promote Relaxation Time
A Feel Good Home Builds Safety & Joy
Healthy Meals

19. Positive Parenting What You Can Do
Affirm Strengths
Acknowledge/Affirm Accomplishments
Simply Appreciate
Build Resilience
Connect & Understand
Spend Quality Time
Talk About Feelings

20. Positive Parenting Shift Your Style
Realistic Expectations
Set Realistic Expectations
Pressure Free Environment
Back Off! From Overprotecting & Over-Controlling
Model Patience, Kindness, Compassion
Focus on Happiness more, Achievement Less -

21. Model Positive Behaviors
Think Aloud as to be heard as you navigate a feeling of anxiety
Demonstrate how you cope
Channel anxious energy by moving, doing something physical
Practice Self-Compassion

22. Do Not Reinforce Anxiety

23. Your Child’s Brain In a Constant State of Development

24. Communicate with Emotional Intelligence
Specific Skills
When your child is anxious
Awareness of self, others & the environment
Use “I” statements
Talk about feelings
Acknowledge feelings of others
Learn to “emotionally regulate” aka Manage your feelings
Listen … a lot
Connect & Empathize
“I can see you are worried. How can I help you right now?”
“I understand you have a lot on your plate. Is there anything I can do to be helpful?”
“Sometimes the world doesn’t make sense. Would you like to talk about it?

25. Social Situations = Often Create Anxiety
Encourage Healthy Peer Social Interactions Role Play Social Situations Beforehand Teach Positive Self-Talk – Temper Self-Criticism Plan on Plenty of Transition Time to Social Events Invite Friends Over & Provide Options for Activites

26. Encourage Positive Social Interactions Relationships Can Fortify the Brain

27. Evidence Based Practices to Calm the Brain

28. Tools for Coping with Anxiety Mindfulness & Meditation
Mindful Pause
Mindful Breathing
Stop & Pause
Pay Attention to Your Experience
Tell Yourself “All will be well”
Imagine yourself calming down
Be Aware of Your Breath
Notice Your Breath
Put Your Hand on Your Stomach
Intentionally Deepen Breath
Counting Breaths: 3, 3, 3
Repeat 4 times

29. Practices to Empty Mind
Write it Down!
Daily Words, Daily Pages, Collages
Individual or Family Gratitude Journal
Families on the Move
Walk, Dance, Shake it out

31. Practices for Coping with Anxiety Be Deliberately Positive & Kind
Practice Kindness
Positive Thoughts

32. Dr. Suzanne Nixon ~ Northern Virginia Integrative Therapy Center
Copyright 2018 All Rights Reserved
Do not copy without permission