An Anxiety Buster For Kids … And You!
I’m hearing more and more from parents about the challenges that their children are facing that are resulting in high anxiety and depression. They are feeling pressured over all the stresses they are dealing with on a daily basis such as: achieving straight A’s, perfection, acceptance, peer pressure and fear of failure.
According to healthychildren.org, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 – 24 year olds.
And studies show that 90% of teens who commit suicide have some type of mental health problem; depression and anxiety being some significant factors. They consider suicide for reasons such as feeling like a failure, getting in trouble or being made wrong, having an argument, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend or receiving a bad grade on a test.
These children are left with a feeling of powerlessness which takes them deeper into depression, hopelessness and low self esteem. Parents come to me feeling heart sick and just as powerless over their son or daughter’s anxiety and depression.
What do you look for if you think your child might be depressed or anxious?
Overwhelm with thoughts or feelings
Change in sleeping habits; insomnia or increase in sleep
Feel guilt, worthless or hopeless
Have less energy or less ability to pay attention
Feel lonely, or get easily agitated
Lose interest in things they use to enjoy
The good news is that there are plenty of resources, strategies and techniques that can support our kids, other than medications. Parents need to trust that with proper guidance, their child can take ownership of their struggles in a way that will have them feel empowered, capable and hopeful so they can overcome the pressures they are faced with on a daily basis.
If you are noticing any of the above behavior in your child, here’s a tool that you can teach them that will make sense and a difference.
Explain this exercise to your kids:
Internal Flame Exercise:
Consider a fire in your fireplace. Without air, there can be no flame. With air, the fire burns brightly. So by cutting off the supply of air, the fire will be diminished.
Each of us have our own internal flame inside of us. And just like the fire in your fireplace, our internal flame needs air. Our internal flame is what has us feeling calm, joyful, and confident. When we cut off our supply of air, our internal flame diminishes.
When you feel anxious, sad, pressured and alone, your body contracts. And when your body tightens up, your internal flame is not getting enough air.
You can ignite your flame with one simple tool; your breath! When you start to feel anxious, take some deep breaths. Imagine with each breath, you are igniting your internal flame. Take as many deep breaths as you need, till you feel your body start to soften and as you do, you will notice the tight feelings in your body will start to loosen up.
You can use this tool wherever you are and no matter what is happening. YOU have the power to eliminate those feelings that diminish your flame.
Practice this exercise daily. Each day, take a moment to consider how brightly your internal flame is burning. Then send some breath to your internal flame and notice that you can control your feelings!
YOU can bust through your anxiety! (And parents, this works for you too!)
Namaste,
Coach Debbie