By Melissa Schoorman
M
any children under the age of 15 experience a form of anxiety, children experience anxious emotions that never go away, even once the which can impact their daily lives and activities. Educators are now confronting situation has passed. beginning to look at the possibility of turning some of those known worries “Over time, one-in-four adults will experience an anxiety disorder. Of into stimuli for resilience discussions so that our children can enter the world those, half will have had their first symptoms by the time they are beyond the school gates with confidence. 15-years-old,” says Jodi Richardson and co-author Michael Grose in their According to Dr Jodi Richardson, wellbeing expert and co-author of book. Anxious Kids: How children can turn their anxiety into resilience, the future For many children, anxiety prevents them from building any sort has never been so bright for anxious kids. of sustainable resilience, which is a life skill and vital to overcome
“The mental health landscape, which was once dry and barren, is now green and filled with hope and the promise of recognition; of understanding, of acceptance, empathy and compassion; and rich in resources, support and help.”
unavoidable adversity. Resilience is built by the individual characteristics we are born with such as our genes and personality but also by our environmental factors, including our family, socio-economic status, community and culture.
Anxiety affects everyone at some stage in their lives, whether it is from an early age or in adulthood. Anxiety is caused when we are confronted with situations that make us feel stressed, tense, uncomfortable, angry or frightened. Anxiety triggers the flight-or-fight response in the brain to protect us from danger. It is an emotion that affects an estimated half a million Australian children and eleven million worldwide. Amongst these alarming statistics is the most daunting of facts, that the majority of these
Whilst there are some things we cannot change, such as our biological makeup, there are many things we can adjust. Transforming our anxiety into resilience is something that does not always require help from professionals. It is a skill that can be worked on at home and school, and at times, is as minor as a shift in mindset. Of course though, there are times that anxiety is best dealt with by experts in the field, through a referral from your local general practitioner. continued next page...
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Peninsula Kids – Spring 2019