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Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety-disorder
Anxiety Disorder
"She's just a
little shy."
Anxiety Disorder looks different,
depending on the person, but remember
that if your child is clinically diagnosed
with Anxiety and/or depression, that it
is not being a little shy, or a little
nervous. Get help and the sooner the better.
My daughter, Brianna, is diagnosed anxiety and depression and is on
medication
and seeing a counselor. It started about three years ago with "tummy
aches" and
progressed from there. Know your children, and pay very close
attention, because
some kids are very expressive (oh yes, my little drama queen) and some
kids
keep everything inside.
Getting Help
Pay attention to some of these signs of possible anxiety or depression
and if you
are not sure, or if you have a question about whether something is
normal or not
then by all means, ask your doctor. On the other hand, if your doctor
constantly
brushes off everything as "fairly typical" or "nothing to worry about"
and you are
seeing the same things over and over and it worries you, then get
another opinion.
Ask for a referral to a specialist. See another doctor, but don't
diagnose your
child on your own, or have your mother-in-law tell you what is wrong
with your
child. See a professional, but if you are not getting answers - see
another professional.
You absolutely have the right to a second, or even a third opinion.
Depression and Suicide
This is a very hard subject to talk about, but depression and suicide
often go together,
especially with children and adolescents who are taking medication. If
your child
even talks about "not being here anymore", or "if I was just gone" and
things like that,
take it seriously. Call your child's doctor - immediately! Many
communities have a 211
call line, or a suicide hotline. Please - if your child is diagnosed
with anxiety and/or depression
get those numbers now and
put them in your phone, by your phone, on your 'fridge, and in
the instructions to your babysitter. Do it now. Especially if your
child is on medication, as
this can enhance or even cause suicidal feelings in children and teens.
Be prepared and take
everything seriously.
More Information
For more information on Anxiety and Anxiety in Children follow these
links:
Anxiety
Disorder
Child
Anxiety
OCD in
Children
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