Understanding the Rise of Anxiety Disorders Among Children

In recent years, the mental health landscape for children and youth in Canada has seen significant changes. Notably, disorders have emerged as a prevalent concern. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) , there were 36,708 emergency department (ED) visits by children and youth for mental health reasons in 2020, marking a substantial increase. The share of these visits due to anxiety disorders rose from 17% in 2019 to 23% in 2020, highlighting an alarming trend.

The Impact of Recent Events on Children's Mental Health

Has the rate of anxiety increased among children after COVID?

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of children. The data indicates a noticeable increase in anxiety disorders following the pandemic. The pandemic's stresses and uncertainties, including disruptions in daily routines, social isolation, and general fear of the virus, have contributed to this rise.

Has the rate of anxiety increased among children over the last decade?

Over the past decade, there has been a gradual but steady increase in anxiety disorders among children. Various factors, including societal pressures, increased awareness and diagnosis, and environmental stressors, have contributed to this rise. The trend underscores the need for continued attention and resources towards children's mental health.

Recent studies have found a strong correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased anxiety in children. The pandemic has created a unique set of challenges and stressors, such as prolonged home confinement, disruption of education, and increased exposure to family stress and online activities. These factors have significantly contributed to heightened anxiety levels among children.

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder in children is more than just temporary fear or worry. It involves excessive and persistent fear and anxiety that disrupts their daily activities. These disorders can manifest in various forms, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and specific phobias .

What is separation anxiety disorder?

Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or attachment figures. It typically manifests in early childhood, usually around 3-4 years old. This disorder can significantly impact a child's ability to engage in everyday activities like attending school or sleeping alone.

What are the common symptoms of an anxiety disorder among children?

Common symptoms include persistent worry, avoidance of situations out of fear, physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches, trouble sleeping, and excessive clinginess. These symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, affecting the child's overall well-being and development.

Examples of anxiety in children

A 7-year-old whom her paediatrician referred to receive art therapy to treat her anxiety reported that she worries that the big tree in front of their house would catch on fire and, as a result, burn their house down.

Another example was the constant worries of a 10-year-old who had developed an anxiety disorder and was worried that something was going to happen to him and, as a result, refused to go to busy, crowded places such as big malls or take public transport.

What are the potential negative impacts of anxiety on children's academic performance?

Anxiety can significantly hinder a child's academic performance. It may lead to difficulties in concentration, absenteeism, decreased participation in school activities, and a general decline in academic performance. Anxiety can also impair social interactions and learning experiences in school settings.

Children with an anxiety disorder often report that it's difficult for them to concentrate when they constantly have something to worry about. They also say that their physical symptoms prevent them from being fully present in the classroom. This will contribute to further anxiety as they often feel that they are behind with their assignments and that they can't do their homework or assignments because they didn't learn anything in class [due to anxiety]. If not diagnosed and treated early, this vicious circle will continuously impact the child's performance at school.

Can art therapy help reduce anxiety in children?

Art therapy is an effective tool in reducing anxiety in children. It allows children to express their feelings and thoughts through creative mediums, providing a non-threatening way to explore and address their fears. Art therapy can also foster a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.

Children with anxiety often report that when they draw or doodle, they can calm down. They automatically do it in the classroom or at home as the act of line-making and concentrating on a piece of paper while being creative can be a protective factor. Many children do this after even starting an art therapy session. In an art therapy session, they will be encouraged to continue this while acknowledging how it impacts their body and to set an intention while drawing.

Can art therapy and CBT be combined in treating anxiety in children?

Combining art therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be an effective approach for treating anxiety in children. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns, while art therapy allows for emotional expression through creativity. This combination can address both cognitive and emotional aspects of anxiety.

Many children find it difficult to verbalize their negative thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, saying them out loud is anxiety-provoking, and other times, they don't have the vocabulary to describe them. Art therapy will help children express these unspeakable thoughts and feelings through a creative work of art.

The feelings and thoughts often seem less intimidating when drawn into an image or shaped with modelling clay. The art therapist will help children explore these feelings, identify how they impact the child's body and brain and help imaginatively transform these feelings. Challenging thoughts can also happen in the safe way of art-making and be explored in story-telling, poetry, or painting.

How can art therapy and mindfulness techniques be combined in treating anxiety in children?

Integrating art therapy with mindfulness techniques can offer a holistic approach to managing anxiety in children. Mindfulness techniques help children become more aware of the present moment and their internal states, reducing anxiety. Combined with art therapy, it allows children to express these feelings creatively, enhancing their ability to cope with anxiety.

The rise in anxiety disorders among children underscores the importance of addressing mental health needs in this demographic. Tailored approaches like art therapy and traditional methods such as CBT can offer effective support for our youth.