Anxiety has affected a lot of people, even kids today. The condition now becomes an outbreak that it is even rivaling depression as the world's main health problem. So what causes the worsening case of anxiety these days?
In psychology professor and anxiety expert Graham Davey's book, "The Anxiety Epidemic," it revealed the causes of anxiety today. According to the South China Morning Post, this publication is different from any self-help books in the market.
It noted that it is more important to know the root of the problem before you try to cure it. Davey pointed out the 21-century reasons behind anxiety, and it includes social media and the reality that people try to make themselves available 24/7 nowadays.
The environmental factors that cause anxiety may have changed, but the condition remains the same. Davey said nobody is born a worrier, although there are no explanations why they worry or fear about something.
Cultural differences also play a big role in understanding and treating anxiety. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is often credited to organ dysfunction. It even assumed that weak kidney has something to do with chronic thinking.
US News added the untreated anxiety could also lead to other serious problems, especially for kids. It could even work as an opening to other mental health issues.
When kids start to fear something, they try to avoid it, and it can lead to different branches of problems, like isolation, depression, and substance abuse. So to avoid these things from happening, here are some ways to help your child, even adults, cope from it.
You should encourage your kids to get outside of his or her comfort zone. Try to let them do the things they fear to conquer their anxiety. If your kids are afraid to visit a friend's home, try to persuade them to give it a try, and remind them that you will be by their side.
Never disregard your kids' anxiety. Anxiety is real, and it is happening. Although it is often illogical, you should take this condition seriously. So instead of telling your kids not to mind it, talk to them and know what makes them worried.
Teach your kids how to deal with their anxiety. You should teach your children how to think problems through. You should also teach them some coping skills and tell them how to use it in every situation. Some of the examples that can make them feel at ease is breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and guided imagery.
