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Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, fear or unease. It is often experienced as a combination of thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in our body.

All children and young people feel worried sometimes. This is a normal, human reaction to things that feel stressful. For example, before an exam a young person may feel more worried than usual. But they will soon feel calmer after the stressful event has passed.

Anxiety becomes a problem when a child or young person feels stuck in it. When this happens, it can become an overwhelming experience. It can also affect their daily life and limit the things they feel able to do.

If your child or young person is struggling with anxiety, there are things you can do to help them. 

For further information, please click on the links below:

NHS information on Anxiety

Parents Mental Health Guide on Anxiety

Tips for children on anxiety

Here are some apps to support:

  • Breath, Think, Do Sesame app is intended to teach children ages 2-5 years skills including problem solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence.
    • It also includes a “Breathe with the Monster” activity to help children practice taking deep breaths to calm down.
    • This is free and available to download on Apple App Store and Google Play.
    • Available in English and Spanish.
  • The Cyber Smile Foundation have a gaming help centre which provides advise about gaming safely including issues like cyberbullying, abuse, and toxic comments from other gamers:
  • ‘Clear Fear’ is a free app which is designed to help children and young people manage symptoms of anxiety.
  • Calm: award winning meditation app to help with sleep, increasing confidence, reducing stress and anxiety 
  • Contains guided meditations, breathing exercises, relaxing music, sleep stories, masterclasses and many more
  • Stop, Breath, and Think Kids offers children a fun and easy way to identify and process their emotions
    • Contains counting breaths, friendly wishes, frog jumps
    • Free to download
  • Breathing Bubbles : app that helps kids practice releasing worries and helps them focus on good feelings
    • You can choose the emotion you are feeling and how strongly you are feeling it
    • Manny the Manatee walks them through deep breathing and visualization
    • Free to download
  • Smiling Mind: designed to help people with the pressures, stress, and challenges of daily life
    • Contains sections on Mindfulness for kids aged 7-18
    • Free to download
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