Anxiety is a normal and helpful part of life\u2014it 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\u2019s life is both unrealistic and unnecessary. Instead, it\u2019s 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\u2014such as causing a child to avoid activities or school\u2014and may require support to manage effectively.When this intense anxiety starts to interfere with daily life\u2014such as avoiding work opportunities or social situations\u2014it may be time to seek support, such as talking to a doctor or exploring options like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Resources:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Anxiety Canada: https:\/\/www.anxietycanada.com\/<\/p>\n Free on-line resources include: \u2022 Digital videos, DVDs and information for each of the anxiety disorders \u2022 Overview of basic CBT management strategies including self-help toolkits<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Special resources for youth and young adults: https:\/\/youth.anxietycanada.com\/<\/p>\n Mindshift – mobile app: https:\/\/www.anxietycanada.com\/resources\/mindshift-app<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Collaborative Mental Health Care: Easy-to-navigate website with Etools, You Tube videos, Phone Apps, Websites, and Interactive Games.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.shared-care.ca\/toolkits<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Family Smart: Empowering parents who have children with mental health challenges. http:\/\/www.familysmart.ca\/<\/p>\n Phone number:1-855-887-8004 or 604-878-3400<\/p>\n <\/p>\n KUU-US Crisis Line Society for BC \u2013Includes 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.<\/p>\n Phone number: 1-800-588-8717<\/p>\n Learning Disabilities Association of British Colombia: The right to learn, the power to achieve. LDABC\u2019s mandate is to be the Provincial network and voice for persons with Learning Disabilities (LD) and those who support them.<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.ldabc.ca\/<\/p>\n Foundrybc.ca: An interactive website designed to help youth and young adults in B.C. check out how they\u2019re feeling and quickly connect to mental health and substance use resources and support. https:\/\/foundrybc.ca\/<\/p>\n Representative for Children and Youth: Improving services and outcomes for children in B.C. through advocacy, accountability and review. https:\/\/www.rcybc.ca\/<\/p>\n Phone number: 1-800-476-3933<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anxiety Canada (2019). \u201cAnxiety 101: What You and Your Child Need to Know about Anxiety.\u201d\u00a0https:\/\/www.anxietycanada.com\/articles\/anxiety-101-what-you-and-your-child-need-to-know-about-anxiety\/<\/a><\/p>\n Anxiety Canada (2019). \u201cWhen Anxiety Is a Problem.\u201d\u00a0https:\/\/www.anxietycanada.com\/articles\/when-anxiety-is-a-problem\/<\/a><\/p>\n