Anxiety in Black and Brown Children and Teens
By Margaret Mabra, MHC
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Anxiety disorders cause extreme fear and worry, and changes in a child's behavior, sleep, eating, or mood.
Different anxiety disorders can affect kids and teens differently than adults. Here are some common forms of Anxiety that effect Black and Brown youth and how you can identify it.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)- GAD causes kids to worry almost every day and over lots of things. Kids with GAD worry over things that most kids worry about, like homework, tests, or making mistakes. But with GAD, kids worry more, and more often, about these things. Kids with GAD also worry over things parents might not expect would cause worry. For example, they might worry about recess, lunchtime, birthday parties, and playtime with friends, or riding the school bus. About loved ones, safety, illness, or getting hurt. Having GAD can make it hard for kids to focus in school. There is almost always a worry on a kid's mind with GAD. It makes it hard for kids to relax and have fun, eat well, or fall asleep at night. They may miss many days of school because worry makes them feel sick, afraid, or tired. Some kids with GAD keep worries to themselves; others talk about their worries with a parent or teacher. They might ask over and over whether something they worry about will happen. But it's hard for them to feel ok, no matter what a parent says.
Separation anxiety disorder (SAD)- It's normal for babies and very young kids to feel anxious the first times they are apart from their parent. But soon they get used to being with a grandparent, babysitter, or teacher. And they start to feel at home at daycare or school. But when kids don't outgrow the fear of being apart from a parent, it's called separation anxiety disorder. Even as they get older, kids with SAD feel very anxious about being away from their parent or away from home. They may miss many days of school. They may say they feel too sick or upset to go. They may cling to a parent, cry, or refuse to go to school, sleepovers, play-dates, or other activities without their parent. At home, they may have trouble falling asleep or sleeping alone. They may avoid being in a room at home if their parent isn't close by.
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder). With social phobia, kids to feel too afraid of what others will think or say. They are always afraid they might do or say something embarrassing. They worry they might sound or look weird. They don't like to be the center of attention. They don't want others to notice them, so they might avoid raising their hand in class. If they get called on in class, they may freeze or panic and can't answer. With social phobia, a class presentation or a group activity with classmates can cause extreme fear. Social phobia can cause kids and teens to avoid school or friends. They may feel sick or tired before or during school. They may complain of other body sensations that go with anxiety too. For example, they may feel their heart racing or feel short of breath. They may feel jumpy and feel they can't sit still. They may feel their face get hot or blush. They may feel shaky or lightheaded.