Anxiety is a normal and helpful part of life—it alerts us to danger, motivates us to prepare for challenges, and helps us stay safe. Though it can feel uncomfortable, anxiety is not dangerous and will pass as the body naturally calms itself. Everyone experiences anxiety, and trying to remove it entirely from a child’s life is both unrealistic and unnecessary. Instead, it’s important to help children build the confidence and skills to cope with anxiety when it arises. However, anxiety can become a problem when it interferes with daily life—such as causing a child to avoid activities or school—and may require support to manage effectively.When this intense anxiety starts to interfere with daily life—such as avoiding work opportunities or social situations—it may be time to seek support, such as talking to a doctor or exploring options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a well-researched, effective approach that helps children and teens learn how to better manage anxiety by changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It teaches practical skills, like calming anxious thoughts and facing fears in small steps, and with regular practice at home and support from adults, these tools can lead to long-lasting improvements in their confidence and well-being.
Resources:
Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/
Free on-line resources include: • Digital videos, DVDs and information for each of the anxiety disorders • Overview of basic CBT management strategies including self-help toolkits
Special resources for youth and young adults: https://youth.anxietycanada.com/
Mindshift – mobile app: https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-app
Collaborative Mental Health Care: Easy-to-navigate website with Etools, You Tube videos, Phone Apps, Websites, and Interactive Games.
http://www.shared-care.ca/toolkits
Family Smart: Empowering parents who have children with mental health challenges. http://www.familysmart.ca/
Phone number:1-855-887-8004 or 604-878-3400
KUU-US Crisis Line Society for BC –Includes Aboriginal-focused risk assessment and safety monitoring until individual is able to be seen by mental health professional; also, a source of provincial-wide Indigenous resource information.
Phone number: 1-800-588-8717
Learning Disabilities Association of British Colombia: The right to learn, the power to achieve. LDABC’s mandate is to be the Provincial network and voice for persons with Learning Disabilities (LD) and those who support them.
http://www.ldabc.ca/
Foundrybc.ca: An interactive website designed to help youth and young adults in B.C. check out how they’re feeling and quickly connect to mental health and substance use resources and support. https://foundrybc.ca/
Representative for Children and Youth: Improving services and outcomes for children in B.C. through advocacy, accountability and review. https://www.rcybc.ca/
Phone number: 1-800-476-3933
Anxiety Canada (2019). “Anxiety 101: What You and Your Child Need to Know about Anxiety.” https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/anxiety-101-what-you-and-your-child-need-to-know-about-anxiety/
Anxiety Canada (2019). “When Anxiety Is a Problem.” https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/when-anxiety-is-a-problem/
Resources from: Kelty Mental Health