Why Getting Help Early for Kids with Anxiety is Better Than Waiting
As parents, it’s natural to wonder when the right time is to get help for your child if they’re struggling with anxiety. You might notice signs of worry or fear in your 7- or 8-year-old, but maybe you’re hoping they’ll grow out of it. Or perhaps you’re unsure if their behavior is just a phase. While it’s common to wait and see if anxiety will go away on its own, getting help earlier rather than later is often the best choice for kids with anxiety.
Here’s why addressing anxiety in younger kids can prevent bigger challenges down the road.
Anxiety Can Escalate Over Time
Anxiety doesn’t usually just disappear as children get older. In fact, without proper support, it can become more intense and harder to manage. What starts as a fear of sleeping alone or worrying about school can develop into avoidance of social situations, difficulty concentrating, or even physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. As children grow, anxiety can begin to interfere with their daily life—affecting their schoolwork, friendships, and overall well-being.
For a 7- or 8-year-old, anxiety might look like needing constant reassurance, being afraid of new situations, or having trouble separating from parents. These behaviors might not seem alarming at first, but they can lay the foundation for more severe anxiety later. By addressing anxiety early, you’re helping your child build coping skills before their worries have a chance to take root and grow.
Younger Children Are More Open to Learning Coping Strategies
Kids in elementary school are still developing their views of the world. They’re more likely to be open to learning new ways of thinking and behaving. When anxiety is caught early, children can be taught coping mechanisms like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk. These techniques can become second nature as they grow, helping them face future challenges with resilience.
If a child waits until they’re older—say, middle or high school—their anxiety may have been a part of their life for years. They might have developed unhealthy habits like avoiding situations that make them anxious or relying on others for constant reassurance. These habits can be harder to change because they’re more ingrained. Early intervention allows children to develop healthy patterns from the start, making it easier to manage anxiety throughout their lives.
Emotional and Social Development is Key at This Age for Kids with Anxiety
Ages 7 and 8 are a critical time for emotional and social development. Children are learning how to
navigate friendships, manage their emotions, and understand the world around them. If anxiety is left untreated, it can hinder this development. A child who is anxious might have trouble making friends, participating in group activities, or speaking up in class. This can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others.
By addressing anxiety early, you’re giving your child the tools to build healthy relationships and manage their emotions in a positive way. They’ll learn how to face challenges without fear and develop a stronger sense of self-confidence. These skills are crucial not only for their current well-being but also for their future success in school, work, and personal relationships.
Avoiding Long-Term Consequences
If anxiety goes untreated, it can lead to long-term mental health issues, such as depression, chronic anxiety disorders, or even substance abuse in an attempt to cope with overwhelming feelings. The longer a child experiences anxiety without the right support, the more likely it is to impact their self-esteem and overall quality of life.
By seeking help when your child is younger, you’re giving them the best chance to avoid these long-term consequences. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of anxiety spiraling into more serious conditions later in life. It also shows your child that their feelings matter and that it’s okay to ask for help when they need it—a lesson that will benefit them throughout their life.
Academic Performance Can Improve in Kids with Anxiety
Anxiety can affect a child’s ability to focus and do well in school. A child who is anxious may have trouble concentrating, may struggle with perfectionism, or may be afraid to ask for help when they don’t understand something. They might avoid participating in class or become so overwhelmed with fear of failure that they procrastinate or give up on assignments altogether.
When a child gets help for anxiety early, they can learn strategies to manage these feelings, allowing them to focus better on school and approach their work with more confidence. Early intervention can help prevent anxiety from becoming a barrier to academic success.
It Sets a Positive Example About Mental Health
Getting help for anxiety early shows your child that mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like you would take your child to the doctor if they had a fever or broken bone, addressing anxiety sends the message that it’s okay to get help for feelings that are overwhelming.
This sets a positive example for how to approach mental health throughout life. Your child will understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward feeling better. They’ll grow up with a healthier attitude toward mental health, which can encourage them to take care of themselves emotionally and seek support when they need it.
Building Resilience Early On
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, and it’s a skill that can be developed over time. By addressing anxiety when your child is young, you’re giving them the tools they need to become more resilient. They’ll learn how to manage their emotions, face fears, and overcome obstacles in a healthy way.
A resilient child is better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. Whether they face academic challenges, social pressures, or future stressors, they’ll have a foundation of coping skills to rely on. Early intervention builds this foundation, setting your child up for success in the years to come.
The Benefits of Family Involvement
When you get help for a younger child’s anxiety, it often involves the whole family. Parents and caregivers can learn strategies to support their child, such as how to respond to anxious behaviors, how to set healthy boundaries, and how to model coping skills. This creates a supportive environment at home, which is essential for helping a child manage anxiety.
Family involvement also helps parents understand their child’s anxiety better. It opens the door for conversations about feelings and mental health, strengthening the parent-child relationship. A strong, supportive family can make a world of difference for a child dealing with anxiety.
Early Help is the Best Help for Kids with Anxiety
Anxiety is a common challenge for many kids, but it doesn’t have to control their lives. By getting help early—at age 7 or 8—you’re giving your child the best chance to manage their anxiety before it becomes a bigger problem. Early intervention can prevent anxiety from escalating, improve emotional and social development, and set your child up for long-term success.
If you’re noticing signs of anxiety in your child, don’t wait to see if it will pass. Reaching out for support now can help your child develop the coping skills they need to thrive. It’s a proactive step that can make all the difference in their future well-being.
Begin Online Anxiety Therapy for Kids and Teens in Illinois and Florida!
If your child or teen is struggling with anxiety, there is hope! Anxiety is highly treatable and online
anxiety treatment at Briefly Counseling can help.
Using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I help kids and teens reduce their anxiety and build resilience so they can become a happier, more confident version of themselves.
And kids love being able to receive counseling from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Studies have consistently proven that online therapy delivers equal results to in-office counseling.
As an experienced and caring therapist, I love providing counseling for anxiety. To start your child’s counseling journey, call me at 224-236-2296 or email Helena@BrieflyCounseling.com to schedule a FREE 20-minute consultation.
Helena Madsen, MA, LCPC is the founder of Briefly Counseling. I specialize in providing online short-term anxiety treatment for kids and teens ages 7 – 18 as well as Christian counseling.
Whether you’re on the North Shore, in Naperville, Chicago, Champaign, Barrington, Libertyville, Glenview, or downstate Illinois, I can help.
And effective 2024, I am now licensed in Florida! For parents in Jacksonville, Pensacola, Destin, Crestview, Coral Gables, Weston, Parkland, Naples, Marco Island, and Pinecrest, I have immediate openings.
Schedule your appointment or consultation today. I look forward to working with your child to quickly and effectively help them in activating their strengths, resources, and resilience, in order to live with confidence and hope.
