As the number of children dealing with anxiety continues to rise, addressing the contributing factors may no longer be enough. With this in mind, Summit Medical Group believes helping kids cope with their anxiety is a more effective solution.
On this episode of Think Tank with Steve Adubato, the show host learns more about this approach. To do that, he speaks with Summit Medical Group Senior Pediatric Clinician Nancy Moran, LCSW, ACT. While going over the surge in children battling anxiety, Moran also shares several factors that create anxiety in children; as well as what therapies parents and caregivers can use to help their children find balance.
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Expert Tips To Help Kids Cope with Anxiety
Anxiety, as Moran defines it, is an “overestimation of the danger and an underestimation of one’s ability to cope with it.” On the other hand, depression is more of a mood disorder. Moran explains that a person can suffer from both; however, anxiety and depression are separate issues. Moran states that one of the factors contributing to the rise in anxiety disorders in children is social media.
“I think that kids don’t get a chance to unplug,” says Moran. “They’re constantly tuned into what’s happening with their peers. They’re constantly feeling that they have to compare themselves to others. And there’s a lot of pressure associated with that.”
Moran also believes we live in a more dangerous society today, which contributes to the rise in anxiety.
“As a result,” Moran describes, “parents are much more inclined to provide a lot of protections to kids. And so this means that kids are getting that subtle message that they’re not safe in the world; and they’re also not getting opportunities to figure out how to cope and how to learn strategies for dealing with adversity.”
Moran suggests these events, over time, can create an anxious child. However, Moran maintains that parents can still certainly help their children cope with anxiety. By acknowledging your child’s feelings and allowing them to face their worries, parents can greatly help their children.
For more tips on helping children cope with anxiety, check out this edition of Think Tank with Steve Adubato.
After that, click here for more stories that impact New Jersey residents.
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