Anxiety is a normal part of childhood—but when it starts interfering with school, sleep, friendships, or daily functioning, it’s time to pay attention.

At Mount Behavioral Health, we help children and teens understand their emotions, build confidence, and learn strategies to cope with anxiety in healthy, age-appropriate ways.

Here’s what every parent should know.

🌩️ What Does Anxiety Look Like in Kids and Teens?

Anxiety doesn’t always look like fear or panic attacks. In children, it can show up in subtle or unexpected ways, such as:

• Stomachaches or headaches with no medical cause
• Refusal to go to school
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Excessive worry about the future, grades, or loved ones
• Irritability or perfectionism
• Avoidance of activities they once enjoyed

💡 Tip: If anxiety lasts more than a few weeks and impacts daily life, it may be more than just a phase.

📘 Learn more: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/childrens-mental-health

🧠 Why Kids Experience Anxiety

Some common causes of childhood anxiety include:

• Genetics (family history of anxiety)
• Stressful events (e.g., divorce, moving, bullying)
• School pressure or perfectionism
• Social media and screen time overload
• Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD or autism
• Sensory sensitivities

Anxiety is not your fault—and with the right support, it can be managed effectively.

💬 How Therapy Can Help

At Mount Behavioral Health, our therapists use evidence-based methods to help kids reduce anxiety and regain control, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaching kids how to challenge unhelpful thoughts and face fears gradually
• Play Therapy: Helping younger children express emotions safely through creative play
• Parent Coaching: Empowering caregivers with tools to support their child’s progress
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies

📖 Read about CBT for anxiety: https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/how-cbt-works/

🏠 Support Starts at Home: What Parents Can Do

Here are five simple ways to support an anxious child:

1. Validate their feelings: Avoid saying “just relax” or “stop worrying.” Acknowledge the emotion first.
2. Model calm behavior: Kids mirror our emotional responses.
3. Establish routines: Predictability provides a sense of safety.
4. Teach coping skills: Deep breathing, journaling, or physical activity can help.
5. Avoid avoidance: Gradual exposure to fears is more effective than shielding them.

📚 More tips for parents: https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/

📍 Why Choose Mount Behavioral Health?

We specialize in child and adolescent therapy that’s:

• Trauma-informed
• Medicaid-friendly
• Offered both in-person and virtually
• Family-centered and collaborative

Our team is trained to meet kids where they are—whether that means crayons, conversation, or calming techniques.

📞 Take the First Step Toward Relief

If your child is struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Early help leads to better outcomes—and we’re here to guide you.

📞 Call Mount Behavioral Health at 718-400-0545
🌐 Visit www.mountbh.org
🗓️ Same-week appointments available

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