Anxiety and worry create symptoms that affects us all at some point in our lives. In fact, statistics state that 1 in 4 people suffer with anxiety related illnesses.  As an adult we become better equipped to tackle any worries that may present themselves. The experiences we go through, the resilience we build up, the different techniques we learn as we become older and learning to become more tuned into our own bodies helps us as adults, to be a little more prepared when we become worried or anxious. 

Children and teens have very busy and hectic lives. Worry is continually around them. Exam worries, test worries, job worries, school friendship worries, separation worries, bullying worries and cyber bullying are all different issues that a child/teen may experience that may lead them into excessive worrying. If fact, it can seem like a never-ending cycle. A young girl once described worrying as a never-ending roller coaster, full of dips and turns. 

Worrying and anxiety is our body’s way of asking what if…?  Our body is always trying to problem solve and find a solution before we have even been met with the issue.  Prehistorically our ancestors had to be prepared for anything to happen however, we now have so much information and help close by, that we no longer need to prepare so actively before we have understood what has actually happened. 

It can be helpful for us to share our worries, listen to other people’s views and allow others to support us. Children/teens are not always able to describe their own feelings and emotions. 

It can be extremely difficult to even understand how or why we feel like we do. Here are a few hints and tips to help: – 

Introducing a worry monster can allow children a release from anxiety and worry that they need. They are encouraged to write down or draw their worry on a little slip of paper and then feed it to the hungry worry monster who is so very very hungry for everyone’s worries. You see the worry monster feeds of other people’s worries and eats them for breakfast lunch and tea.  The worry monster helps children to express their emotions/worries and desires to the monster. 

Introduce a worry bear, a little bear who is great a cuddles and is there for you to explain your worries too. This little bear may also help dreams come true. 

Teens and older children may wish to use a worry diary/journal. They can set a timer of 3 minutes and quickly note down any worries. They win the game If they can finish journaling their worries before the timer finishes. 

It is important to eat healthy, maintain a good sleep routine and also think about having some screen free time during the day. Finding out what you enjoy within your local environment is also very helpful. Are you a reader, musicians, artist. Do you enjoy the sunshine, picnics, parks? Finding things that make you belly laugh. After all we all want peace and laughter in our lives.