Category Archives: Anxiety

Art Therapy and Mental Health…Have you Doodled Today?

Anxiety, Pyschotherapy, Self-Care

Anxiety has been a major hallmark of the Covid pandemic. Now, as more and more of us are getting our second dose of vaccine, for many of us, the anxiety is shifting to cover concerns about going back out into the world in ways that we haven’t been able to do since March 2019. 

Recently, I’ve been suggesting a mandala practice to clients who are looking for tools to cope with anxiety.  The following post from the archives speaks to this, as well as giving an exercise to try.? Enjoy!?

If you have been out in the world over the past year, you may have noticed the increase in the number of adult colouring books for sale. ?They are everywhere! You can pick one up when buying your groceries, refilling prescriptions or waiting for your flight at the airport. They cover a range of topics, disciplines, genres, moods, spirituality and life events.

In the October 2016 issue of Psychology Today, Emily Silber reports that an estimated 12 million colouring books were sold in the U.S. in 2015, up from 1 million in 2014.

When reflecting on the growth of this popular item; Silber quotes clinical psychologist, Ben Michaelis, who suggests that “even if colouring does not help people process negative feelings directly, it may a least offer an effective form of relief”.

Art Therapy

While some people may balk at this popular culture activity, using adult colouring books could be considered a form or art therapy. The Canadian Association of Art Therapy describes art therapy as “the combination of thecreative process and psychotherapy, facilitating self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.”

While art has been used since the beginning of human history as a way to share thoughts and ideas–the oldest cave painting was found in the El Castillo cave in Cantabria, Spain and dates back 40,000 years to the Aurignacian period–art therapy, as we know it, didn’t really start until the 1940’s. The original art therapists were artists who recognized the value of creation on their own mental health, and chose to share the creation process with others.

If you are interested in a detailed history of art therapy, you can check out Art Therapy Journal for a wealth of information.

But What If I’m ?not Creative and Can’t Draw?

While I am not an art therapist, in the past, I sometimes suggested a ‘drawing practice’ to clients–especially if they we’re working with anxiety and/or depression–as a way to calm their thoughts and shift their focus. One of the most common responses that I heard was “I can’t draw” or “I’m not creative”. The idea of being forced to create ‘art’ increased rather than decreased their level of anxiety. So, instead I started suggesting a ‘mandala practice’.

What is a Mandala and How Do I Practice It?

 

Mandalas have been with us for a long time. ?The word ‘mandala’ is Sanskrit for ‘circle’. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions it is a graphic symbol for the universe. Famous mandalas in the Christian tradition can be seen in the Celtic cross and rose windows.

In some traditions they have been used as part of meditation practices and some people believe that they have magical properties. ?In fact, meditation paths are often built to form a mandala.

For people who don’t feel that they are creative (everyone is, whether they realize it or not!) or think that they can’t draw, a mandala practice is ideal as it is unstructured and free-form. The practice doesn’t require a large outlay of cash for art supplies or take up a lot of space. All that is required is a blank piece of paper, pen or pencil, pencil or regular wax crayons and a drinking glass or pot lid. Intrigued?

The Mandala Practice

The way of this practice is to do it daily–similar to meditation practice or breathing exercises. Besides being an enjoyable activity, there are many benefits to creating mandalas on a daily basis. It is a way to step into mindfulness as you focus on the act of making your own mandala. As you work, you may notice your thoughts slowing down. As you engage the decision-making part of your brain, the emotional part of your brain may experience a sense of calm. Clients have reported feeling a sense of accomplishment when they complete their mandala. You are giving yourself the gift of a ‘time-out’.

There is no right or wrong way to do this practice–the value is in showing up. It can take as much time, or as little, as you like.

Ready To Give It A Try?

Assemble the necessary tools (pen or pencil, blank paper, pencil or wax crayons, pot lid or glass) and find a comfortable place to work.

Step One
Empty out the box of crayons where you can see all the colours and easily reach them. This is easy if when sitting at a table. ?Take a minute and appreciate the range of colours. Think about the colours that you are drawn to and those you shy away from. Take a deep breath.

Step Two
Using the pen or pencil, on the blank sheet of paper, trace around either the glass or pot lid. The goal is to have a circle of a size that you are happy with.

Step Three
Look at the selection of crayons, and without over-thinking it, choose one that appeals to you. Using that crayon draw a shape inside the circle. It can be anything you chose. ?When you feel that the shape is complete, stop and return the crayon to the pile. Take a deep breath. ?Select another crayon and either add to the shape, or create another shape inside the circle.

Step Four
Continue Step Three, until you feel that yourmandala is complete. Again, don’t overthink it. You’ll know when it’s finished. The circle may be filled, or it may only have one or a few items in it.

Step Five
Initial and date the mandala and file it way.

When you develop a regular practice, over time, you will have a collection of mandalas. It is often interesting to look back over the series (several months’ worth) to see how the drawings, colour choices and subjects have changed.

Most of all…have fun!

Ultimate Mandalas–Made of Sand!

As well as having my own mandala practice, I have been fascinated by the Tibetan practice of making sand mandalas. Their creation and destruction can be viewed as the ultimate expression of impermanence and love for the benefit of others. Below are two clips showing this amazing act of creation. The first gives a sped-up overview of the process. The second shows the process in more detail.

Enjoy!

Trying Something New? Expect Some Anxiety!

Anxiety

It’s September, and if you live in Ontario, we’ve just finished the first week of a new school year.? If you are a student (no matter your age), it means new teachers, new subjects and maybe a new school with the potential for new friends.? For non-students, the beginning of September brings the end of summer and the return to old routines, or creation of new ones.? In fact, many people see Labour Day as a more accurate indicator of a ‘new year’ than January 1.? And…all this ‘newness’ can lead to anxiety.

A Story…

Elaine had never traveled on her own before, but when she was given the opportunity to meet a friend (Karen) in Germany, she immediately said yes.? The thought of travelling alone scared her a bit, but as the trip was 6 months away she ignored any anxious thoughts that popped up.??Excitedly, she booked her flight.? ?In order to safe money, she booked an indirect flight to Frankfurt.? During the following months, the women planned that Elaine would rent a car and drive to the small town where Karen was staying.

As the date of the trip drew closer, Elaine started to become anxious.? She had her flights in place, and now she had to think about everything else.? Her brother (Brad) helped with booking the car rental, so that was taken care of.? However, when Elaine thought about what was causing her the most anxiety, it was the actual travel experience.? What if she was late for her flight?? What if she couldn’t find her gate at the airport?? Once she landed, how would she find the car rental place?? When she booked her flight, she didn’t think that a two-hour stop-over in Chicago was a big deal.? Now she wasn’t so sure.? What if she missed her connecting flight?? ?Elaine was starting to wish that she hadn’t agreed to visit Karen.? She wondered if it was too late to invite another friend to join her.

The Connection Between ‘New’ and Anxiety

No matter the time of year, while novel things can be exciting as they move us out of our comfort zone, they can also promote anxiety.? In fact, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between excitement and anxiety as they can feel the same way in the body–tummy butterflies, repetitive thoughts, sweaty palms.? So how do we know the difference?? It’s the internal dialogue that shows us the difference.

When we look at Elaine’s story, she was excited when she approached by Karen and decided to go on the trip.? She wasn’t ruminating about what could go wrong.? Instead, she recognized that she hadn’t traveled alone before, and was able to put the ‘what if’ questions aside.

Growing Edges and the Stress Response

We often think about stress as a bad thing…and chronic stress does have negative effects on our minds and bodies.? Chronic stress happens when we are living in conditions where we have little or no control over a difficult situation (at work or home) and it continues over a long period of time.? Our bodies react by increasing our levels of cortisol that eventually wreaks havoc with our adrenal system…possibly leading to adrenal fatigue and depression.? Generalized anxiety is the first step down this path.

“Good” stress is something different.? Good stress is paired with excitement.? We experience good stress when we are pushing ourselves to try something new–moving into our growing edges.? As a wise mentor once told me…”growing edges are meant to help us move to a next level, not break us!”.

The Story Continues…

While Elaine was thinking about cancelling the trip, Karen (who didn’t know about Elaine’s anxiety) was sending her pictures of where she was living and ideas of things they could do when Elaine arrived.? Elaine started to feel ambivalent…she wanted to take part in the exciting plans, and was afraid of what it would take to get there.? Plus, she didn’t want to lose the money she had paid for flights, or disappoint her friend.? Elaine decided that she needed to come up with a plan.

Elaine’s first step was to ask for help.? Talking to Brad, she learned that what she was feeling was normal.? Brad shared with her that the first time he traveled alone he was terrified…especially as he was travelling to a country where English wasn’t the first language.? Brad explained that his plan was to think about what could go wrong with the goal of putting safety factors in place.

Brad and Elaine mapped out her entire journey from the time she left home to when she would meet Karen.? Once Elaine had her ‘itinerary’ she created her plan:

  • She spoke to service providers who were able to answer her ‘what if?’ questions.
  • She found maps of the airports she would be using and learned how to get where she would need to be.
  • Elaine was able to speak to a car rental employee who gave her detailed directions to get to where the office was located, and offered the use of a GPS as an upgrade.
  • Google Maps provided backup directions in case the GPS didn’t work.? Using Google Earth, she found visuals of her route.

Finally, Elaine let Karen know about her anxiety.? Even though Karen offered to meet Elaine’s plane, Elaine was confident in her plan and excited to see if she could do it on her own.

Ways to Cope with the Anxiety of Trying Something New

Our lives are enriched when we try something new–whether the new thing is pushed on us or we choose to branch out.? So here are some ways to make the growing edges easier.

  • Be patient with yourself.? If possible take baby steps.? You can do this by breaking the new experience into manageable steps.? For example, if Elaine could have tried travelling on her own by taking a smaller/shorter trip.
  • Remember past successful experiences of trying new things.? Chances are that you have tried something new before and enjoyed it.? Use those memories to decrease anxiety when it shows up.
  • Plan ahead.? Follow Elaine’s example and map the potential new experience into as many detailed steps as you need.? You’re not thinking about the ‘what if’s’ as an exercise in worry, but as the items for an action plan.
  • Recognize that anxiety in this situation is normal.? Are you feeling anxiety or excitement?? Both are normal, and anxiety is a matter of degree.? A bit of anxiety is normal, but if it’s getting in the way of doing what you want to do, or becoming a constant companion, it’s gone overboard!
  • In moments of anxiety, breath.? You can find a downloadable breathing exercise here (at the bottom of the page), to help cope with anxious feelings.

So here’s to trying new things!

And now…speaking of air travel…here’s some vintage Frank Sinatra.? Enjoy!

6 Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Mental Health

Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health

Thinking about improving our mental health can feel overwhelming–especially when we’re under the influence of negative emotions such as anger, sadness or anxiety.? However, there are a few simple things that you can do in the moment that can help…and, if you practice these things on a regular basis, you may see an improvement in your overall well-being.? So, what are they?

1.? Stop and Breathe

As humans, we are under a lot of stress.? Our stress levels encourage us to be ‘shallow’ breathers–instead of taking deep breaths; we take short,? shallow breaths.? If we pay attention, we may notice that most of our inhales barely make it past our collar bone!? ? This way of breathing encourages panicky feelings as we’re not getting enough oxygen to our brains–it’s as if we’re hyperventilating.? ?If that’s our normal, how should we breathe?

Have you ever watched a baby breathe?? They? naturally ‘tummy’ breathe…slow, deep, relaxed breaths.? Tummy breathing helps to calm the nervous system, which puts the breaks on the ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response.? You can practice this type of breathing by gently placing your hands on your stomach and inhaling until you feel your tummy rise and fall.

If you are interested in practicing your breathing as a way to cope with difficult emotions, a meditation/breathing download is available on the Welcome Page of Blaikie Psychotherapy.? The exercise takes 20 minutes and includes instructions.

2.? Eat Something Healthy

Are you familiar with the ‘hang over’ from a greasy, high-fat, calorie-dense meal?? I know that I am!? If I have made a stop at my local fast-food palace as a way to cope with negative feelings, I can pretty much guarantee that I won’t feel better afterwards.

Our brains and bodies are connected.? There is now a branch of science called Nutritional Psychiatry that looks at the effects of food on our mental health.? Scientists are recognizing the interplay between mental health and a healthy gut (the microbiome).? When we provide our bodies with healthy nutrients, we are encouraging brain health.? This article from the Harvard Medical School explains how eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helps to increase serotonin levels in the brain.?Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and appetite, mediate moods, and inhibit pain.

So, if you’re feeling down, grab an apple instead of a doughnut!

3.? Move

We have known for a long time that exercise is a good way to improve our mood.? There’s nothing like a good stomp around the block after an argument!

The great thing is that it doesn’t have to be a big deal…just 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week will provide benefits.? While 150 minutes may sound like a lot, it’s only a 20 minute walk per day.? And the 20 minutes can be spread out over the day…park the car a bit farther from where you’re going…take the stairs when possible…hit replay on your favourite tune and keep dancing.? When we’re mindful of ways to increase our amount of movement, it’s easy to find 20 minutes.

4.? Enjoy Nature

Not only can we add 20 minutes of movement into our day, we can do it outside.? While spending time in a forest or at a lake is ideal, the benefit is in getting outside.? Is there a park or other green space in your area?? What about your backyard?

A recent trend called “Forest Bathing” encourages us to benefit from the healing properties of trees.? ? According to a CTV News article,??the forest bathing movement is all about immersing oneself in the healing properties of trees and plants.? It involves simply walking — quietly, slowly and deliberately — in a forest, and taking in the sounds, scents, colours, forms and general vibe of nature.

The concept is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere.”? The certified forest therapy guide quoted in the article stated that “studies in Japan and Korea found forest bathers after their walks had an increased number of “natural killer cells,” immune system cells that combat disease and may even help prevent some kinds of cancer. The researchers believe natural killer cells are boosted when people breathe in organic compounds called phytoncides released by trees.”? Apparently, forest bathing helps to lower cortisol levels, thereby lowering your stress levels.

If you’re curious about nature therapy or forest bathing, you can read more about it here.

4. Count

We’ve all heard the advice about counting to 10 before losing our temper, and for a good reason as it often works.? However, sometimes we need more than that.

When we get overwhelmed by big emotions like anxiety or anger, our limbic system (or lizard/emotional brain) is over-stimulated.? This means that the logic part of our brain (pre-frontal cortex) is not in charge.? By counting, which is a ‘thinking’ activity, we put that part of our brain back in the driver’s seat, and we stop the flooding of emotions.? While counting our breaths may help, it can be more helpful to count something that is external to us.

One suggestion that I often give to clients is, when needed, look at what is around and find something to count.? In a meeting room?…count the number of pens or paperclips on the table.? In a store?…How many items are on the rack or shelf in front of you.? At home?…Count the number of books on a shelf, spots on the carpet, dust bunnies on the floor.? Outside?? Count trees or cars.? We can always find something to count.

6. Talk to Someone

One of the signs of depression is self-imposed social isolation.? We don’t feel like interacting with other people, so we don’t.? The more we keep to ourselves, the deeper we fall into our negative thoughts and the less we want to spend time with others….and the pattern repeats.? I’m not talking about the bigger problem of a chronic lack of friends, but the turning away for others.

Social interaction is important for our mental health.? We are social creatures and need contact with others.? So make a point of talking to at least one person during your day…maybe it’s the person who makes your coffee or tea…smiling at someone who crosses your path…asking a co-worker about their plans for the weekend.? It doesn’t have to be deep, just a sharing of humanity.

This post provides 6 simple ways to improve your mental health.? However, if you are dealing with a significant mental health challenge, these may not be enough.? If you would like to get in touch to talk more about what you are experiencing, you can reach me through my contact page.

The Anatomy of a Worry

Anxiety, Mental Health

The following content is a summary of information contained in The Cancer Survivor’s Companion:? Practical ways to cope with your feelings after cancer by Dr. Frances Goodhart and Lucy Atkins.? While the book is from the perspective of cancer patients, I believe that much of the information on worrying is applicable to all of us “worriers”.

We all worry.? It’s part of being human.? But if we look closely at a worry, what is it?? How does it work?? What is it made up of?? How do I cope with it?? Can I make it go away?? One way of dealing with a challenge is to intimately understand it–so let’s dissect a worry and see what makes it tick!

What Is A Worry?

Finances…health…job…family members…what others think of us…I bet that we can all give a list of what the topics that we worry about, but what actually is a worry?? Goodhart and Atkins define a worry as “a natural, instinctive, human response to a perceived threat”.? When we worry, we are afraid that something negative is going to happen.? Worries are future-driven.

While worrisome thoughts may cross our minds, worrying becomes a problem when we can’t stop and begin to ruminate on specific ideas.? These thoughts start to take over all of our brain space to the point that we can’t think about anything else. When worrying becomes out of control, we can’t determine between big and small things to worry about–we worry about them all equally.? Our sense of perspective is gone.

Worrying is such a common, human experience that you can buy something to do your worrying for you.? A Worry Bird!? They also come in a charm bracelet version, so you can take it with you!

How Does It Work?

There are four parts to a worry:? thoughts, behaviour, feelings and body sensations.? They are all inter-related and play off of each other.? A body sensation (perhaps a muscle spasm or stomach ache) triggers a thought about a threat which leads to feelings of fear.? This fear may then cause us to stop what we’re doing and focus on the subject that is worrying us (I’m getting sick or my boss wants to get rid of me…), then we’re off to the worry races.

Treating Worry as a Science Experiment

The key to coping with a worry is to learn to handle each of it’s parts:? thoughts, behaviour, feelings and body sensations.? When we can do that, we can break the cycle and decrease the control that worries have over our lives.

One of the ways to get a handle on worry behaviour is to treat it like a science experiment.? The more we know about an activity, the better able we are to change it.? When you find yourself caught in a worry, pay attention.? When did the worry start?? What were you doing at the time?? Was the trigger a feeling, action, body sensation or thought?? As we gather more information, we can start to see trends and triggers.

It’s Usually About Our Thoughts

For most of us, the worry trigger is our thoughts that are fed by?thought traps.? Here are some common thought traps that lead us down the path of worrying.

  • Mind reading:? We are mind reading when we are making judgements about what others are thinking.? (“I know that she’s mad at me because she didn’t return my text”.)
  • Fortune telling:? None of us are able to predict the future.? When we make negative assumptions about what will happen, we are giving in to worry.
  • Thinking the worst:? When we are in a worry cycle, we never think the best, but of the most negative possible outcome.? (“My boss is looking for any reason to fire me…if I’m late, I’m going to lose my job.”)
  • Labelling yourself:? These are all the negative “I am” statements that we beat ourselves up with…”I’m lazy”, “I’m dumb”…
  • If…then thinking:? Logic stops being our friend when we link it to thinking the worst.? “If I don’t hear from the recruiter today, then I didn’t get the job.”
  • Should and oughts:? When we ‘should’ or ‘ought’ ourselves, we are putting unrealistic expectations or demands on ourselves.? ?”Even thought I’m feeling overwhelmed, I should be taking care of everyone else.”
  • Selective thinking:? When we only remember the negative parts of an interaction or situation and forget the positive parts, we are falling into the trap of selective thinking.

Now that we have gathered information, what’s next?

Coping Strategies

One you know your triggers, you are on the way to getting the upper hand on your worry.

If your trigger is a thought:

  • Write down your actual thought.
  • Compare the thought to any of the thought traps listed above.
  • Problem solve about what you can do, if your actual worry became real.
  • Being able to do this exercise takes practice, so in the beginning you can work with someone your trust.

If your trigger is a body sensation:

  • Slow your breathing–counting your breaths as you breath deeply is a useful technique.
  • Exercise–go for a walk, dance around your room, do a few yoga poses–anything that will help to release the energy surge that often accompanies worrying.
  • Relaxation techniques.? There are many guided relaxation exercises on-line.? Check out this link for an example.

If your trigger is a feeling:

Here’s a method for dealing with negative feelings.? Feelings are energy–they arrive, peak, and subside.? When we can recognize their pattern, we can practice sitting with them until they move on.

For example:? When a feeling of fear arrives, try not to get hooked into the ‘story’ of the fear, but watch the ‘fear’.? What does fear feel like in your body?? Do you feel hot or cold?? Does it sit in a particular part of your body that leads to a negative body sensation?? If you don’t feed your fear with thoughts, how big does it get?? How long does it last?? Over time, you will be able to ‘ride the wave’ of feelings/emotions.

If your trigger is a behaviour:

Sometimes a worry begins with an action.? For example, if you are coping with an illness, researching information on the internet may trigger worries about possible diagnosis or outcomes.

Once you know what the triggering behaviour is, you can avoid the behaviour when possible.

While worries are a fact of life, but they don’t have to let them control us.? We can get the upper hand!

And now…some classic Bobby McFerrin…enjoy!

 

The Monster Under the Bed…Childhood Anxiety

Anxiety

As parents, we want the best for our kids–to be happy and healthy–physically, emotionally and mentally. It can be heart-breaking when we see them suffer and unable to enjoy all that life has to offer. One of the ways that children can struggle is with anxiety.

What is Anxiety?

Simply put, anxiety is the fear of what might happen. We experience a trigger such as an invitation to a party. Our social anxiety ramps up. As we imagine ourselves standing tongue-tied and lonely on the edges of the party, the emotional centre of our brain becomes activated, stimulating the fight, flight or freeze reaction. Next thing we know, we’re having a full-blown anxiety or panic attack.

Anxiety is a condition that can make our world become very small as it is a condition?of “avoidance”. When we have been anxious in one situation (e.g. a large party) we seek to avoid similar experiences in the future (no more parties!). The more anxiety-producing events there are, the more we start to avoid things. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression. In extreme cases, we may become afraid to leave our homes due to the fear of anxiety or panic attacks.

Anxiety in Childhood

While we can think of anxiety as being a ‘grown up’ challenge, according to the website anxietybc, anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children and adults, affecting upwards of 20% of children and adolescents over their lifespan.

The good news is that childhood anxiety is very treatable. With support from parents, teachers, family members and therapists; anxious children can learn ways to cope with their anxious thoughts and develop new patterns of behaviour around triggers.

Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Anxiety

It can be difficult to admit that your child is struggling. However, if your child is showing any of the following behaviours, they may be suffering from anxiety.

  • Clinging, crying and/or tantrums when you leave
  • Excessive shyness, avoiding social situations
  • Constant worrying and/or worrying hours, days, or weeks ahead of an event
  • Avoiding situations or places because of fears
  • Complaining of frequent stomachaches or headaches that prevent them from going to school
  • Taking part in repetitive physical behaviours such as nail biting or hair pulling
  • Experiencing sudden and frequent panic attacks
  • Asking repeatedly for reassurance, but not comforted by logical answers
  • Has difficulty falling asleep, frequent nightmares, and difficulty sleeping alone
  • Experiencing perfectionism, self-critical, or very high standards that make nothing good enough
  • Feeling overly-responsible, people pleasing, and showing excessive concern that others are upset with him or her, as well as unnecessary apologizing

If your child is dealing with anxiety, it is not a reflection on your parenting. There are many reasons why children can be anxious. Please don’t take your child’s anxiety personally.?

Why Should We Be Concerned?

As parents, we sometimes hope that the negative behaviours that our children are showing are ‘just a stage’ and that they will ‘outgrow’ them.? Unfortunately, due to their nature, untreated anxiety issues become worse over time.

Unlike adults, young children don’t have the language or concepts around anxiety to explain what they are experiencing. They can begin to think that they are different from their peers, while at the same time not understanding why they feel unable to take part in the same activities as others. These feelings can lead to a lack of self-esteem and the confidence that comes from mastering new situations and skills (social, mental and physical).

What’s a Parent or Caregiver To Do?

As the most important person/people in your child’s life, there are lots that you can do. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests the following ideas for parents to do at home to help their child to cope with anxiety.

  • Pay attention to your child’s feelings
  • Stay calm when your child becomes anxious about a situation or event
  • Recognize and praise small accomplishments
  • Don’t punish mistakes or lack of progress
  • Be flexible, but try to maintain a normal routine
  • Modify expectations during stressful periods
  • Plan for transitions (For example, allow extra time in the morning if getting to school is difficult)
  • Talk to your child’s teacher, principal, etc. to create a support plan that can be followed both at school and home
Other Resources

There are many resources to help parents and caregivers as they support their children. Websites such as WorryWiseKids and AnxietyBC provide a wealth of information as well as links to other useful sites.

Depending on your child’s age and school district, schools usually have access to on-site social workers, child and youth workers and other specialized staff members who are experienced in helping children with anxiety issues.

A wonderful, child-friendly workbook for parents and children is The Anxiety Workbook for Kids: Take Charge of Fears & Worries Using the Gift of Imagination by Robin Alter, PhD, CPsych and Crystal Clarke, MSW, RSW. Divided into chapters, this book covers everything from explaining anxiety and the brain to how our body reacts to anxiety and coping skills. It also helps children to identify their own triggers and gain mastery over them.

Sometimes, your child’s teacher or social worker will suggest that they see a therapist. When looking for a therapist for your child, check to see that they have experience working with children as this requires a different skill set than working with adults. Depending on the age of your child, they may do well with a therapist skilled in Play Therapy.

At the end of the day, we want our children to feel better as they grow and enjoy their family, friends and activities.