All children and young people get anxious at times and this is a normal response to situations and a normal part of their development as they grow up and develop their “survival skills”. However, the brain may trigger this response when the danger is perceived danger and not actual danger. This can cause your child or young person to feel this flight, fright & freeze response in situations like going to school or going out to new places. For some children and young people, they continue to get this flight, fright and freeze response and the feeling of anxiety builds and becomes progressively worse.
This feeling of anxiety becomes an issue when it prevents a child or young person from completing their usual day to day routines. For instance, they may say they feel unwell and are unable to go to school. They may develop a specific fear or phobia which prevents them from taking part in activities, trips or outings. You may even notice them worrying for worrying’s sake or they may say that worrying about something is keeping them safe.
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Although it can be difficult to see your child upset, the best thing you can do it help them work towards facing the things that make them feel anxious in small, manageable and supportive steps.
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