Fears and anxieties
Fear is being afraid of something and not wanting to go near it or experience it. Anxiety is a bit like fear, but the person suffering anxiety doesn't always know what they are afraid of, or why they're afraid. Fears have their place, but can also cause problems. The good news is that using proven treatment methods can usually help fears. One of the very satisfying things about working on fear is seeing a child overcoming a fear and watching how it opens up their world.
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Why work on fears?
Some fears are there for good reason, to protect children. But sometimes fears can go wrong, even if they did start out for a good reason. Fear involves reactions that are quite physical and real, like a thumping heart, 'jelly legs' and breathlessness. These reactions make fears and anxiety quite powerful in influencing behaviour.
With fears or anxiety, there is usually some thinking going on about a threat or danger. The threat may be real or imaginary, or it could be exaggerated. The unpleasant reactions can lead a child to try avoiding situations that involve the fear. The problem with this is that the child may end up avoiding things that can help their development or be enjoyable to them and their family.
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What children are affected by fears?
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Any children, including those with disability, can be affected by fears at some time of their lives. Also, some children’s natures make them more likely to experience fears than other children. This doesn’t mean they can’t be helped. Fear reactions can range from very mild to quite severe. Fears and worries may be more noticeable with some children at certain times, such as:
- during or after a major event or procedure
- when making a big change, for example, when first starting kindy or school
- when about to go into a situation after having had a bad experience in a similar situation
- when thinking a lot about something that is going to happen
- due to having some medical conditions.
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How do fears show up in children?
Some of the physical signs can include:
- increased breathing
- increased heartbeat
- sweating
- stomach pains
- shaking and trembling.
Behaviours can include:
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avoiding situations- clinginess
- crying, screaming
- some tantrums
- asking lots of questions and repeating questions
- fidgeting more than usual
- doing lots of checking on things
- repeating a behaviour over and over
- insisting on keeping to a particular routine.
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What sort of help can be provided?
Novita psychologists can help children and parents find ways to manage reactions to fear and anxiety in the following ways:
- Giving more information that can help understand the fear and the reactions to fear.
- Observing the reactions and discuss with the people involved how the reactions are affecting their lives.
- Offering and discussing ways of dealing with the reactions.
- Helping with behaviour and thinking about things that seem to be causing the problem.
- Helping people prepare to face difficult situations at a level that is manageable.
- Including other team members, for example the paediatrician, if they think any medical treatment might be needed - in most cases, good progress can be made with no need for medical treatment.
Disclaimer Detail: The above information on is of a general nature only and does not constitute advice. Novita Children's Services makes no representations, express or implied, as to the accuracy, usefulness, suitability or application of the information to a child's particular circumstances. Use of the information above is at your sole risk, and you should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the information. Novita Children's Services accepts no liability for any damages or loss that may arise from the use of, or any omission from, the information provided.
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