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Tools to help your Anxious Children and/or Teens

It is important to have a variety of tools to access especially when life challenges us.

However, what do you do when your child or teen experiences?excessive anxiety, fear or worry, causing them either to avoid situations that might precipitate the anxiety or to develop compulsive rituals that lessen the anxiety? Everyone feels anxious in response to specific events, however, ?individuals with an anxiety disorder have excessive and unrealistic feelings that interfere with their life, such as their relationships, school, social and recreation?activities

Did you know anxiety is the number one mental health problem facing Canadian children today?

6.5% of Canadian children and youth suffer from anxiety. Many mental health agencies warn childhood anxiety is on the rise. Children with anxiety disorders have been shown to have lower academic achievement, higher rates of absenteeism and lower rates of participation in classroom. How can we help our anxious child / teen?

Parents can help their anxious child /teen by:

  • Learning tools to help with the symptoms of anxiety (i.e. muscle tension, head aches, stomach aches, sleep difficulties, etc.).
  • Attending ?Family? (parent and child) ?classes. Innovative Wellness will go to your home and offers small group classes at a cozy Yoga Den or on the yoga deck (when weather permits)
  • Requesting in-school programs like YOGA-TASTIC developed by Jayne Hembruff. ?View “Yoga is an effective tool” webinar on Canadian Self Regulation Initiative (CSRI) website, ?(http://www.self-regulation.ca/resources/webinars/ ?Webinar #6). CSRI is founded by Dr Shanker, author of Calm, Alert and Learning.
  • Attending information sessions and workshop. Dr. Shanker and I offer workshops to parents, teachers and ?other professionals who work with children.
  • Advocating for your anxious child to ensure s/he has the?necessary?supports and tools
  • Preventing compassion fatigue by taking care of yourself

Interesting Facts:

  • Anxiety disorders affect 12% of the Canadian adult population, causing mild to severe impairment.(2002 http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_4-eng.php)
  • 1 out of every 3 Canadians will be affected by anxiety and/or mood disorders
  • Child and adolescent incidents on the rise
  • $51 Billion/year spent on Mental Health in Canada (2011 Conference Board of Canada)