We all worry. It's a normal part of life. But when your child has generalized anxiety disorder, he or she worries about lots of things. Your child has a hard time not worrying. This worry or anxiety interferes with your child's relationships, school, and life.
Your child may worry most days about things like school or friends. That may make your child feel tired, tense, or cranky. It can make it hard to think. It may get in the way of healthy sleep. Your child also may have stomachaches or headaches.
Counseling and medicine can both work to treat anxiety. They are often used together with lifestyle changes. Treatment can include a type of counseling called cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. It can help your child learn to notice and replace thoughts that make your child worry. You also may have family counseling. It can help family members learn how to support your child.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
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If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
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