Are Kids Experiencing Post-Covid ‘Long Anxiety?’

Are Kids Experiencing Post-Covid ‘Long Anxiety?’

Identifying the signs and ways to reduce anxiety.

written by Dr. Liz Matheis, posted on www.psychologytoday.com

Here we are, almost three years post the pandemic that shut down our world instantly and has kept us in a state of uncertainty about many parts of life that we took for granted. We all experienced collective anxiety about the present, future, our health, and health of others. We also worried about the availability of basics such as food and toilet paper.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a pandemic as “a worldwide spread of a disease,” with the COVID-19 pandemic being our 21st (Pitlik, 2020). The government encted quarantine to limit the spread. Humans are social creatures and in need of interaction with others consistently. The rise of a “virtual” world allowed many to continue their jobs and education. However, isolation’s “side” effects continue to negatively impact mental health.

During this time, anxiety set in for many. Anxiety: “is characterized by increased arousal and apprehension tortured into distressing worry, and physically by unpleasant activation of multiple body systems.”

How is anxiety manifesting among teens?

Avoidance

Many children, teens, and young adults still avoid school, social situations, or participating as team members in sports or activities. Children may have participated in activities pre-pandemic and did not know how to “re-enter.” Some have found a strong interest in video games because they don’t require face-to-face interaction, and there is escape and submersion in a virtual and highly engaging electronic world.

Barbara Johnson of the Johnson Center for Health indicated that the quarantine change in lifestyle created weight gain; however, the long-term effect of the virus may have resulted in physiologically-based excessive hunger and increased appetite. Quarantine may have facilitated unhealthy habits like eating in response to boredom. The change in eating habits has created a change in appearance and ease of movement, further perpetuating avoidance of participating in school, socialization, sports, and activities.

Teens and young adults’ friendships changed over the pandemic. Thus, many teens have had to create new friendships; however, the problem is that their peer group was already small, and there weren’t other children with whom to create new ones.

30 Grounding Techniques to Quiet Distressing Thoughts

30 Grounding Techniques to Quiet Distressing Thoughts

posted on healthline.com

Grounding is a practice that can help you pull away from flashbacks, unwanted memories, and negative or challenging emotions.

What are grounding techniques?

Grounding techniques are exercises that may help you refocus on the present moment to distract yourself from anxious feelings.

You can use grounding techniques to help create space from distressing feelings in nearly any situation, but they’re especially helpful for improving:

 

Stop Scrolling: 5 Meditations That Take 1 Minute and Will Relieve Your Holiday Stress

Stop Scrolling: 5 Meditations That Take 1 Minute and Will Relieve Your Holiday Stress

HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

The HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

Are you concerned that your child isn’t quite ready for the new school year? Don’t worry – the Back to School Summit has you covered! This online summit will help you and your child be prepared for the upcoming school year. 

This free event kicks off on Tuesday, September 13th and features 19 speaker presentations that will cover topics such as how to set goals, how to study smarter, and how to get organized to set your child up for success in the school year.

Who doesn’t want that?

Our very own Dr. Liz Matheis will be speaking on the topic of: Managing Back to School Anxiety.

So why wait? Sign up today and guarantee your child’s success in the new school year! Get your free ticket by clicking the box below! Excited to see you there!

HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

The HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

Are you concerned that your child isn’t quite ready for the new school year? Don’t worry – the Back to School Summit has you covered! This online summit will help you and your child be prepared for the upcoming school year. 

This free event kicks off on Tuesday, September 13th and features 19 speaker presentations that will cover topics such as how to set goals, how to study smarter, and how to get organized to set your child up for success in the school year.

Who doesn’t want that?

Our very own Dr. Liz Matheis will be speaking on the topic of: Managing Back to School Anxiety.

So why wait? Sign up today and guarantee your child’s success in the new school year! Get your free ticket by clicking the box below! Excited to see you there!

HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

The HobbyScool Summit: Back to School Edition

Are you concerned that your child isn’t quite ready for the new school year? Don’t worry – the Back to School Summit has you covered! This online summit will help you and your child be prepared for the upcoming school year. 

This free event kicks off on Tuesday, September 13th and features 19 speaker presentations that will cover topics such as how to set goals, how to study smarter, and how to get organized to set your child up for success in the school year.

Who doesn’t want that?

Our very own Dr. Liz Matheis will be speaking on the topic of: Managing Back to School Anxiety.

So why wait? Sign up today and guarantee your child’s success in the new school year! Get your free ticket by clicking the box below! Excited to see you there!

Don’t Be Afraid to Ride the Wave of Anxiety

Don’t Be Afraid to Ride the Wave of Anxiety

written by Dr. Liz Matheis, posted on Psychology Today

As a divorcing mom of three and a psychologist who specializes in anxiety, I feel anxious every day. Ironic, right? I don’t feel a high level of anxiety every day all day, but I do feel some level of anxiety about something, and by the end of the day, I am physically and emotionally exhausted. I also sit with and absorb other people’s anxiety, whether they are my patients, my children, my family, or my friends.

When we feel anxious, we often do things to avoid and distract rather than facing what it is that is triggering us or is creating fear, stress, and worry. Many people, adults and children alike, will eat, drink, or engage in self-harm behaviors in order to run away or quiet down their thoughts.

It’s part of our natural instinct to seek pleasure and avoid pain, but with anxiety, engaging in these actions doesn’t make it better or less. In fact, it creates more anxiety that sits, and finds a home, within our bodies. It impacts our mood, decisions, motivation, and our energy, whether we are aware of its impact or not.

How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves

How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves

written by Katherine Martinelli, posted on childmind.org

All kids say bad stuff about themselves sometimes. But when their inner voice keeps saying bad things, it can have a negative effect on them.

Children who expect a lot of themselves may be prone to negative self-talk. For older kids, saying things like, “I’m so stupid” or, “I’m so fat” can be a way of protecting themselves from social pressure. They may say bad things about themselves before someone else does it. And kids who are being bullied may start to believe the bad things other kids say about them and start saying them too.

While some kids may do this as a way of getting attention, others do it because they’re not good at bouncing back when something bad happens. They also might not want to try new or hard things.

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious

What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious

written by Clark Goldstein, PhD – posted on childmind.org

When kids are anxious, it’s natural to want to help them feel better. But by trying to protect kids from the things that upset them, you can accidentally make anxiety worse. The best way to help kids overcome anxiety is to teach them to deal with anxiety as it comes up. With practice, they will be less anxious. 

When a child gets upset in an uncomfortable situation and their parents take them out of the situation, they learn that getting upset is a good way to cope. Instead, it’s helpful for parents to let kids know that they’re going to be okay, even if they’re scared. You can’t promise your child that nothing bad will happen. But you can express confidence that they can face their fears and feel less afraid over time. 

You can show your child empathy without agreeing with their fears. For example, you might say: “I know you’re scared to get this shot. It’s okay to be scared. You can get through this, and I’m going to help you.” It’s usually helpful to avoid leading questions (“Are you worried about the test tomorrow?”).  Instead, ask open questions (“How do you feel about the test tomorrow?”). You can use your tone of voice and body language to show your child that you’re calm, which can help them stay calm too. 

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"The various psycho-educational testing Dr. Liz conducted on our son gave us critical clues about where his learning strengths and weaknesses lie so that his needs could be better addressed at home and school. Moreover, because of their warm, kindhearted personalities, both Dr. Liz and her associate, Stephanie, formed an immediate bond with my son. He eagerly looks forward to his weekly therapy sessions. We are so lucky Dr. Liz came into our family's lives when she did! For stressed-out families trying to help their children as best they can, she is a calming voice of reason!"
- Anonymous
"Thank you, Dr. Liz. Although we have told you countless times, it will never feel enough. You have listened when J could barely speak and continued to listen when he was sad, angry and confused. You've challenged him and directed us in our roles as parents. You've helped J face his fears while the list evolved and changed, and yet you've stayed committed to 'the course.' We pray that your children realize that time away from them is spent helping children learn and that vulnerability is a sign of strength and bravery."
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- Anonymous

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