One of the most common disorders for adolescents, and increasing in numbers affected, is anxiety.
According to Free Dictionary, anxiety is everything from “uneasiness caused by fear … to apprehension or worry accompanied by physical symptoms common in mental illness or following a distressing experience.”
Anxiety is part of being human. At an early age, when a mother or father leave their child with someone else, and the child experiences the anxiety of separation from those parents who represent safety and security for them. This may produce tears, screaming and death-grip holds on mom and dad.
Anxiety commonly also can occur during the stage of night terrors (nightmares), starting school, moving, death of a loved one, divorce of parents, an upcoming test/exam, a trip, a marriage, an illness and on, and on.
Children with anxiety disorders are missing out on school, on friendships, on life experiences, because they are filled and dominated by fears.
What is it that has caused the increase in anxiety of children, to the point of being diagnosed with a disorder?
Some claim it is violent video games, addictive use of social media, sexualization of children, and/or the breakdown of the family. All of those things can certainly contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Whatever the reason, the problem is before us, as parents, as people who work in schools and churches and places of recreation.
So, what can we do for someone in our life who has (or may be silently dealing with) anxiety and fear?
Be kind.
It may seem like an oversimplified response, and kindness does not dissolve fears and anxiety, but it really can help.
The thing about kindness is that it can let someone know that they have been noticed, that they matter. Kindness can make someone feel good, make them smile. To receive kindness is to receive an unexpected, often unmerited gift. Kindness can give hope to one who may not feel there is any hope. Kindness can provide comfort, consolation.
Kindness is not the cure, but it might be a little remission from the fears that dominate.
itsawonderfilledlife 