Children’s Mental Health issues affect 1 in 5 kids worldwide

 

Childhood anxiety is a very common mental health issue

 

Children as young as 13 suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues

 

---

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn compensation when you click on the links; at no additional cost to you. Additionally, I am an Independent Associate for some of the products referenced, and I may earn compensation when you click on those links as well, at no additional cost to you. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

---

 

Did you know any of the above listed facts? I did not clearly know how many children suffered from mental health issues, and many of them suffer from anxiety and have anxiety attacks. This is something that with the proper support and awareness, can be researched more and effective treatment for children can be better implemented.

 

October 10th is World Mental Health Day.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 

 

The #OnOurSleeves Movement

The On Our Sleeves movement was launched by Nationwide Children’s Hospital to build a community of support for children living with mental illness through advocacy, education and fundraising for some much needed research.  The On Our Sleeves movement and hashtag came from the notion that, because children do not wear their thoughts on their sleeves, we as adults may not always know what they are going through.

 

 

The meaning of On Our Sleeves

There are illustrated graphics that are placed on the arms or sleeves of children and teens to symbolize thoughts and feelings that can be associated with mental health. The messages and graphics are used to symbolize various ways to show support of and bring awareness to children’s mental health.  Each of the icons used can be expressed to define different experiences to different children. You can learn more about each individual graphic and this movement by visiting OnOurSleeves.org.

 

 

 

 

Why #OnOurSleeves is important to me

The On Our Sleeves movement is very dear to my heart and so very important to me. Both of my daughters suffer from anxiety.  My oldest daughter started experiencing anxiety attacks once she moved away and started college. I think that a lot of the anxious feelings came from her wanting to prove to us that she made the right decision going over 600 miles away to school, along with the pressure of juggling a balance of work and school.

My youngest daughter experienced anxiety attacks earlier on; around the age of 13.  Her anxiety attacks started with trying to follow in the footsteps of my oldest daughter. Finding that she could not fill the shoes of her older sister who for her, school came easy.  Since then, they both have found and used different tactics to help them manage their anxiety over the years.

 

 

One thing that was a huge help was being open and honest about their illness and sharing it with me.  Doing so made them feel comfortable about trying and receiving different treatment ideas and options.  They have both found ways and tips to manage their anxiety attacks and reduce the anxious feelings that may arise in certain situations.

 

 

Tools, ideas and resources to help reduce your child’s anxiety

 

Luckily, my daughters were open to using a combination of options in helping them manage their anxiety, and have used one or more of the suggestions listed for managing their anxiety. **Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information and products described are for information purposes only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.**

1. The use of Essential Oils

Using specific essential oils that can possibly help to reduce feelings of anxiety can be very helpful to a child. Simply apply them at certain times of the day, or allow your older child to apply the oils when they start to feel anxious.

Here are some Simply Earth Essential Oils that can be used in reducing anxious feelings or anxiety

• Tranquility

Tranquility Essential Oil Blend is a calming blend that promotes feelings of contentment, composure, and reassurance, helping you feel more at ease and bringing about a sense of well being when anxious feelings try to overwhelm your emotions.

 

• Peace & Quiet 

Peace and Quiet Essential Oil Blend is perfect for bringing a sense of peace and calm to your day. This synergy is uplifting while also relaxing.

 

• Lavender

Lavender has been know to have calming and relaxing properties that ease feelings of tension, among many other uses.

 

 

2. Practice simple yoga poses

 

 

Yoga can be very beneficial to adults and children. Children can use these poses to prevent anxious feelings from taking over or during an anxiety attack. Once these poses are introduced to the child, they can freely practice the poses when they feel it is necessary.

These children’s yoga poses could help with anxiety

• Child’s pose

 

• Tree pose

 

 

• Downward dog pose

 

• Mountain pose

For more of these kids yoga poses and free resources on yoga for kids visit, Kids Yoga Poses.

 

 

3. Engage in mindfulness

 

 

Mindfulness is a great way for children to learn to manage their anxiety. With simple mindfulness exercises, they can learn to control their breathing, acknowledge their anxious feelings, and recognize the underlying circumstances in their environment that is causing the anxiety attack.

Some great mindfulness exercises that children can practice are

• Practice mindful breathing

Children can take slow, steady breaths and focus on the actual breathing process. Focusing their attention on their breathing will help calm them down.

• Recognize your emotions and how they feel

Bringing awareness to how they feel, and what made them feel anxious or have an anxiety attack will help children become more aware of what triggers their anxiety, as well as the feelings associated with it.

• Play The Silent Game

Popular in a Montessori classroom, The Silent Game is when children keep not only their voices quiet, but also practice in keeping their bodies still. The Silent Game can last from one to two minutes, with the purpose of relaxing their minds and bodies.

 

 

4. Take a break

 

 

Sometimes anxious feelings or an anxiety attack can be subsided simply by taking a break from the situation or environment that is causing such feelings. It is similar to when adults take a break or “need a minute” when they are feeling various emotions. Something as simple as taking a break could be just what a child needs to gather themselves.

Some ideas for taking a break could include

• Allowing the child to go outside

A short break away from a group or situation that is causing anxious feelings can be a very helpful for children. Let them go outside for two to five minutes may be just what they need.

• Allowing the child to be alone if appropriate

If appropriate, letting a child be alone while they get their bearings after an anxiety attack can be an effective way for them to gain back control of their feelings.

 

Your next steps…things you can do now

Now that you have some ideas and tips on helping children reduce anxiety, there are some steps that you can take now with what the information you have. Every child is different, and not all the tips listed work with each child. Remember to take into consideration each individual child’s needs when choosing tips to help reduce their anxiety.  Would you like to get involved in the On Our Sleeves movement? Getting involved can be as simple as being an advocate and sharing your support with others. Join the On Our Sleeves movement!

 

 

 

Does your child or a child you know suffer from anxiety? How is it managed? Share your tips or ideas in the comments!

Anitra J.