Anxiety disorders

For most children attending school is an enjoyable and exciting experience. For some, however, attending school may be overwhelming and is endured or avoided. These children may suffer from separation anxiety disorder (SAD) which manifests as school refusal.

It is normal for children to sometimes feel anxious or insecure when separated from their parents or other important caregivers. Usually, such separation anxiety fades as they grow up and become more confident. If your child's separation anxiety continues to persist after the age of five and starts affecting his or her life, then your child may have separation anxiety disorder.

Author: Anxiety Canada

 

Fears are common and expected in childhood; however, for some children and teens, their fears can become very severe over time, and even develop into a phobia. A phobia is an intense and unreasonable fear of a specific object or situation.

It is important to remember that some anxiety is normal. We cannot get rid of all anxiety in our lives. Anxiety is a problem when it gets in the way. We might avoid things or change the way we do things because we feel anxious.

We all use substances, many of which affect our mood. Whether we eat something that gives us pleasure (such as chocolate), enjoy a glass of wine to enhance a meal, or take a prescribed medication to control pain from a recent injury, the use of substances is an accepted part of life.