Hello everyone! My name is Julia and I am one of the students doing an internship at Walck and Associates for a few weeks as a part of my graduate program. Throughout this post, I will be discussing the most common anxiety disorders, how they affect speech and language disorders, and some strategies to help with anxiety.
Anxiety is a common challenge that many individuals – children and adults – struggle with. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common illness in the United States. Anxiety disorders affect 18.1% of the population of the United States every year. There are five major types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social phobia (social anxiety).
Definitions
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – Chronic anxiety, that is exaggerated with worry and tension when there is nothing or little to provoke the anxiety.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Recurrent and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors are performed to try to keep the obsessive thoughts at bay or go away. Repetitive behaviors can include hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning.
Panic Disorder – Unexpected and repeated episodes of fear accompanied by physical symptoms. The physical symptoms can include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – This anxiety disorder develops after someone is exposed to a terrifying event or ordeal where physical or emotional harm has occurred or was threatened.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety) – Overwhelming fear in everyday situations. This can be limited to one situation or include any social situation or interaction.
Different forms of anxiety can be prevalent amongst different speech and language disorders. According to the Child Mind Institute, children who have language disorders may be at a higher risk for anxiety and depression due to the language disorder affecting their ability to interact with other children and build relationships. Speech and language disorders can affect an individual’s self-esteem. This can create anxiety about not feeling good enough or feeling uncomfortable and anxious in situations where their speech or language is highlighted.
There are a few generalized strategies to help cope with anxiety. Not every strategy is going to help everyone. There may be a trial period to figure out what strategies help your child. There are some long-term strategies that may help control the anxieties. If the individual can identify what heightens their anxiety, then there is the opportunity to try to limit how much of that trigger is experienced.
Strategies for your child
· Use aromatherapy – lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood can be calming
· Deep breathing – breathe in for 4 counts, breathe out for 4 counts for 5 minutes.
· Count – Count to 10 or 20 slowly.
· 5-4-3-2-1 technique – Think of 5 things you can see in the room, think of 4 things you can touch in the room around you, think of 3 things you can hear, think of 2 things you can smell, and think of 1 thing you can taste.
Strategies to help your child from the Child Mind Institute
· Learn what strategies mentioned above, and similar ones, help your child the most. It is important to manage anxiety and not try to eliminate anxiety.
· Do not just avoid things that make your child anxious. It is important to help your child learn how to cope with anxiety.
· Express positive and realistic expectations. Express confidence that they will be okay, but do not promise a certain outcome.
· Respect their anxiety, but do not empower it. It is important to let them know that you are there to help them through their anxiety and that it is okay to have anxiety.
· Avoid asking leading questions about your child’s anxiety.
· Encourage the child to tolerate their anxieties.
References
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2018). Facts & Statistics. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (2018). Tips. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/tips.
Botting, N., Toseeb, U., Pickles, A., Durkin, K., & Conti-Ramsden, G. (2016). Depression and anxiety change from adolescence to adulthood in individuals with and without language impairment. Plos One, 11(7). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156678
Child Mind Institute. (2019). Language Disorder Basics. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/guide/language-disorder/.
Eske, J. (2019). Speech disorders: Types, symptoms, causes, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324764.php#types.
Goldstein, C. (2019). What to Do (and Not Do) When Children Are Anxious. Retrieved from https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/.
Healthline. (2019). Do You Live with Anxiety? Here Are 11 Ways to Cope. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-cope-with-anxiety.
Smith, S. (2018). 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique for Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). What are the five major types of anxiety disorders? Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html.
Julia Sule