Anxiety and Depression

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety has biological/chemical, emotional, and spiritual components.
Anxiety is the mind and body’s reaction to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations.
It’s the sense of uneasiness, distress, or dread you feel before a significant event.
A certain level of Anxiety helps us stay alert and aware, but for those suffering from an anxiety disorder, it feels far from normal – it can be completely debilitating.
Is there a difference between Anxiety and Worry? Is it a sin to be anxious?

Constant and persistent worry
Edginess, nervous or jumpy
Reluctance or refusal to go to school or other activities
Agitation
Restlessness
Inattention, poor focus
Somatic symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
Avoidance
Tantrums
Crying
Meltdowns before school about clothing, hair, shoes, socks or after school about homework
Difficulties with transitions within school, and between school and an activity/sport
Difficulty settling down for bed
Having high expectations for school work, homework and sports performance

Phobias: When fears are Out of Control

Separation Anxiety: Fear of Being Away from Family Grown-Ups

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Constant Worrying for Months at a Time

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Thoughts and Actions You Just Can’t Stop

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Stress and Fear from a Terrible Memory

Depression is persistent sadness.
When it occurs, the Person feels alone, hopeless, helpless, and worthless.
When this type of sadness is unending, it disrupts every part of the child’s life.
Red Flags can include: child/teen acting out, isolating and no longer wanting to do the things they have enjoyed in the past, self-harming behaviors or comments about not wanting to live
What to do about self-harm and/or suicidal thoughts – ALWAYS take this information seriously.
Reach out to a professional for help, support and resources.

Changes in appetite — either increased appetite or decreased
Changes in sleep — sleeplessness or excessive sleep
Continuous feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue and low energy
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Impaired thinking or concentration
Increased sensitivity to rejection
Irritability or anger
Physical complaints (such as stomachaches or headaches) that do not respond to treatment
Reduced ability to function during events and activities at home or with friends, in school or during extracurricular activities, or when involved with hobbies or other interests
Social withdrawal
Thoughts of death or suicide
Vocal outbursts or crying

Are you noticing different patterns in behavior?
Changes in eating/sleeping patterns.
Withdrawing/isolating
Reports of changed behavior by teachers, child care providers, friends and family
Is your child/teen withdrawing and not willing to talk to you?
Does your child/teen share that he or she is sad, lonely and/or worried?
Have there been significant life changes or losses (moving, friendship loss, illness or injury, divorce or separation, death of a friend or family member)
Has your child/teen been the victim of bullying?