Anxiety and Your Child - Mental Health Awareness

Does your child have fears or worries about returning to school?

Does your child avoid social situations?

Does your child need excessive reassurance from you?
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​Is your child overly worried about their future, health, school, or sports?

If you have noticed these behaviors in your child, especially if they are a change from your child's baseline behaviors, they could be suffering from anxiety.

What does anxiety look like in children?
Anxiety can feel overwhelming to your child and to you. Children with anxiety manifest their fears in many different ways. Some act out becoming angry, aggressive, and defiant. Some withdraw, becoming disinterested in activities and family outings that used to give them pleasure. Parents often describe an anxious child as "not themselves", "overly worried" or "overly angry at the smallest thing". If this sounds like your child, know that anxiety is very common among adolescents and children and it is highly treatable.

What can you do to help your child with anxiety?

• Know that if you feel your child may need help with their anxious feelings, there are many resources available to you.
• Reach out to your school counselor or local mental health agency for support and resources.
• Watch this YouTube playlist to learn more about Anxiety and Supporting Your Child
• Check out these helpful resources from Seattle Children's Hospital:
  • Anxiety Disorder: Facts for Families
  • Anxiety Disorders: Book List & Websites​
  • Free Virtual Class on Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Visit Council's Community Resources page to find more resources for Mental Health Awareness & Support.
• Attend Council's upcoming event "Returning to Populated Places: How to Calm Your Anxieties" on May 18th @ 7:00PM.