Anxiety: The Facts
When worry does not fade and begins to start having an impact on your schoolwork, life, or things you enjoy it may actually be anxiety.
Anxiety is a common disorder that affects children and adults. Believe it or not it is way more common than you think and impacts many kids and teenagers. In fact, approximately 4.4 million 3-17-year old’s are currently diagnosed with it and there are a few different kinds. KidsHealth explains anxiety as body’s natural survival response to any fear or danger. When this happens, you may notice increased heartbeat, sweating, or even tense muscles. This is called the fight or flight response. Sometimes this response happens when there is no real fear or danger and can lead to what is called anxiety.
What Are the Types?
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)– fear or worry about the future and things beyond our control.
Phobias – extreme fear of a specific thing such as bugs, snakes, heights.
Separation Anxiety – extreme fear of being away from family, usually younger kids.
Social Anxiety – occurs in social situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)– can be triggered by a terrifying event.
When Should I Seek Help?
If your worries become excessive and nothing seems to help.
Hard time focusing on schoolwork.
Lack of motivation to do activities you usually enjoy.
Physical symptoms such as chest pain, headache, stomachaches.
Loss of control over emotions or feeling very overwhelmed.
Who Can Help?
If you find yourself having a hard time, it is always a good idea to reach out to a parent, trusted adult, school counselor or school nurse. They will be able to provide or help you find the resources and support you need.
If you live in Northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist, you can call the Access Center for Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888-247-1400.
