Childhood Anxiety
Childhood anxiety has been become a very prominent problem in the society. Researchers regard that the anxiety in the adulthood is nothing but a residue of the grave memories of childhood anxiety. [1] Children realize in the very first year of their life that they are tremendously dependent upon the adults for their survival. They require care and attention from others. This early experience of dependence and helplessness make them comprehend that they are powerless. This very feeling in the embryonic stage of their life gives birth to childhood anxiety.
Childhood Anxiety
Childhood is a period when the tiny toddlers face the anxieties of fear and growing up. They make friends and relish social activities. They desire to feel safe and explore the gigantic world. Childhood anxiety encroaches in their life when they feel helpless to materialize their dreams. Childhood anxiety brings emotional distress and depression for them. [1]
Indicators of Childhood Anxiety:
- Fear of safety of the self and parents
- No desire to go to school
- Recurrent stomach aches
- Panic of separation from parents
- Trouble in sleeping or nightmares
Two Major Types of Childhood Anxiety:
Separation Anxiety:
Children have more sense of possessiveness and where there is possessiveness there is separation anxiety. In childhood anxiety they assume that soon their parents would be separated from them and this gives them the feeling of insecurity.
School Anxiety:
It is always tough to shun home-sickness. When the children are to go to the schools after an extended period of their stay at home, they find it a very hard nut to crack. The notion that they are moving to a new place provides them childhood anxiety.
Reference:
1) Ozgul, S. (2003) Child & Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Treatment Program Report.