Anxiety Disorders

Children & Teens

Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways in children and teens. Parents, caregivers and loved ones can use the following list of examples of symptoms that oftentimes present in children and teens, to help them identify anxiety: 

• increased worry ("what if's) & need for reassurance

• development of habits/patterns/rituals to ensure "safety" that take a significant amount of time to complete each day & only alleviate the anxiety temporarily

• feelings of restlessness/heart racing, sweaty palms

• difficulties with sleep (increase or decrease)

• changes in appetite (increase or decrease)

• avoidance of social activities/school/certain friends, performance anxiety

• difficulty concentrating due to ruminating worries

• increased physical behaviors such as skin picking/hair picking, etc.

At Coast Family, our philosophy is to normalize and provide psychoeducation around the reason our bodies have "stress responses" in the first place, and to help identify which worries keep us "safe" versus which worries, thoughts or behaviors are more exaggerated and we can let go of. 

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Sometimes the onset of acute anxiety is due to a stressful life event, accident, or change in family dynamic. Other times, children and teens can seem to develop fears of separation, difficulty sleeping in their own beds, or fears of performing, when they had previously never struggled with those situations. No matter the cause, we are here to help you and your family make a plan toward healing.

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Young Adults & Adults

Similar to teens and children, young adults and adults can express anxiety symptoms in a variety of ways. Adults may notice changes in their ability to maintain a consistent schedule, increased procrastination and/or difficulty sleeping. Others notice increase or decrease in appetite, difficulty with concentration, nausea or racing thoughts/heart racing throughout the day, with an accompanying exhaustion. Perfectionistic thinking patterns often accompany anxiety, as well as depressive symptoms (i.e.: sadness, hopelessness, difficulty initiating activities, isolation). Luckily there are scientifically proven skills and strategies that can significantly decrease anxiety symptoms when learned and practiced. We are happy to be your guide every step of the way.

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Contact us at the phone number or e-mail address listed below to schedule a time to discuss how we can assist you or your family.