Anonymous wrote:By reducing demands I mean maybe dropping an after-school class, or dropping speech therapy from 4x per month to twice per month, lowering expectations on a school subject, etc. That worked for my child who has a hard time wtih too many demands. May not be important for someone else. But don't drop structure of the day. Structure and a consistent schedule can help reduce anxiety.
Exercise can go a long way in helping with anxiety, but it might not cure it. Still, there are many studies comparing exercise to meds for various mental health issues and often exercise looks just as effective as meds. Meds have side effects and quite frankly no one knows the long term consequences, esp. for kids.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be very helpful for anxiety as well. There are some excellent workbooks if you can't afford therapy by Dawn Huebner on various forms of anxiety that can respond well to CBT, which is the approach used in the workbooks, eg. "What to Do when you Worry Too Much."
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sometimes kids need medication for anxiety and all the exercise in the world won't help.
Agree. I think the people who think "fresh air and exercise" is a cure all for an anxiety disorder never had a real anxiety disorder.
There is no one cure all for these issues. If you think it's medication, you're delusional. You start with the healthful options that pose no risk. Physical activity, healthy nutrition, family therapy. Aren't meds "supposed to" be your last resort? And btw, they don't "cure" a damn thing. But they certainly do make things easier to "manage", without having to take parenting classes. The issues that caused the anxiety in the first place are still right there.
The chemical imbalances your kid supossedly got from you, are beginning to look more and more like a medical marketing hoax. Very disappointing indeed.
You are a sanctimonious ass: Most everyone here has tried all the "healthful" options first. Thank your lucky stars if that's all your child needed. You are lucky and preaching to the choir.
Anonymous wrote:The best thing you can immediately do, is buy a copy of the current March/April magazine issue of "Scientific American Mind". It's a Special Report Issue on:
How to Raise a Happy Child -
The essential guide to improving kid behavior and resilience.
It addresses anxiety and depression in children in such a way that's very clear and easy to understand. There are also some very good resources. And at $5.95, it's the least expensive thing you'll ever get.
Anonymous wrote:Sometimes kids need medication for anxiety and all the exercise in the world won't help.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sometimes kids need medication for anxiety and all the exercise in the world won't help.
Agree. I think the people who think "fresh air and exercise" is a cure all for an anxiety disorder never had a real anxiety disorder.
There is no one cure all for these issues. If you think it's medication, you're delusional. You start with the healthful options that pose no risk. Physical activity, healthy nutrition, family therapy. Aren't meds "supposed to" be your last resort? And btw, they don't "cure" a damn thing. But they certainly do make things easier to "manage", without having to take parenting classes. The issues that caused the anxiety in the first place are still right there.
The chemical imbalances your kid supossedly got from you, are beginning to look more and more like a medical marketing hoax. Very disappointing indeed.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sometimes kids need medication for anxiety and all the exercise in the world won't help.
Agree. I think the people who think "fresh air and exercise" is a cure all for an anxiety disorder never had a real anxiety disorder.