Anxiety in children is a common condition for many children. Anxiety can occur in response to changes or stressful situations in a child's life. For example, situations such as starting a new school, exams, separation anxiety, family problems or health problems can cause anxiety in children.
Anxiety symptoms in children can vary, but the following symptoms are common:
● Physical symptoms: Symptoms such as stomach pain, headache, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, trembling, sweating may occur.
● Emotional symptoms: Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, fear, nervousness, restlessness, hypersensitivity
●Behavioral symptoms: Behavioral symptoms such as changes in eating and sleeping patterns, nail biting, finger sucking, and hair pulling can be observed. /strong>
Anxiety in children can arise due to different factors. Here are some of the common causes of anxiety:
● Genetic predisposition: If there is an individual with anxiety disorder in the family, the child may be more likely to be prone to anxiety. Genetic factors have been associated with differences in children's brain chemistry and function.
● Environmental factors: Children may develop anxiety when faced with stressful and uncertain situations. For example, family problems, divorce, moving, school changes, traumatic events or difficult living conditions can cause anxiety in children.
● Challenging experiences: Difficult previous experiences (eg trauma, abuse, accidents) can cause anxiety in children. Such experiences may cause the child to feel anxious in similar situations in the future.
● Perfectionism: Some children are raised with extremely high expectations and develop perfectionist tendencies. In this case, the fear of making mistakes or failing can cause anxiety.
● Social interactions: Children may develop anxiety when they experience insecurity, rejection, or friendship problems in social interactions. Insecurity in social situations, fear of embarrassment or ridicule can cause anxiety.
CONCRETE ANXIETY
Concretization is a method used to help children understand and cope with their anxiety more clearly. Here are the steps for working with child concerns using the embodiment method:
● Defining anxiety:The first step is to identify the issue or situation that the child is worried about. You can ask questions about the child's concern. For example, "What things worry you about going to school?" or "Can you describe how it feels?" You can try to understand the child's anxiety level and sources with questions such as:
● Finding a concrete symbol:You can ask the child to choose a symbol to embody the anxiety. This symbol will help the child represent anxiety. For example, you can think of anxiety as a symbol such as a monster, cloud, or weight.
● Assigning properties to the symbol:You can help the child better understand anxiety by assigning properties to the symbol he/she chooses. For example, if the child chose the monster symbol, it is important to ask the child how this monster looked, what it did, or how it felt. In this way, the child may begin to see his anxiety as an external object.
●Transforming anxiety: You can use various methods to transform the child, symbol or anxiety. For example, you can have the child draw or shape the symbol and interact with it. Suggesting that the child try to control the symbol or talk to it can help channel and control the anxiety.
●Developing coping strategies: During the concretization process, it is important to discover strategies that the child can use to deal with anxiety. For example, you can teach the child strategies such as relaxing breathing exercises, practicing positive thinking, using safety objects, or getting support.
OTHER METHODS
● Storytelling:Storytelling is an effective method that can help children understand their anxiety. Express your child's feelings by creating a story about anxiety. and have them express their experiences in a fictional way. This story can teach the child strategies for coping with anxiety and may end with positive results.
●Using visual aids: Visual aids can help children express and understand their concerns. For example, you can have the child express their anxiety level by using visual tools such as emotion cards, feeling wheels or wall boards. These tools can help the child visualize their emotional state.
● Game therapy:Game therapy is a method of using play to help children express, experience, and cope with their anxiety. You can organize therapeutic play sessions using toys or materials that represent the child's anxiety. This method can enable the child to resolve their anxiety by playing and reshaping.
● Diary:Getting a child into the habit of keeping a diary can be an effective way to express and track concerns. The child can express their feelings, concerns and experiences by writing a journal. This not only helps the child develop their emotional expression skills, but also raises greater awareness of their anxiety.
● Social support:You can use the social support network to help children manage their anxiety. Family members, teachers or close friends can provide support, understanding and help the child cope with their anxiety. This support network allows the child to share their concerns and be supported.
As every child is different, it is important to tailor methods to the child's individual needs and preferences. It may also be helpful to consult a specialist if concerns persist for a long time or affect the child's daily functioning.
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