Understanding Anxiety
How to Support Your Child or Youth
Anxiety is a normal part of life that we all experience now and then. When we’re feeling anxious, we might be uneasy, worried, or nervous—but most often, these are temporary feelings. However, for some people, anxiety can take over and interfere with normal daily activities. This resource was created to help parents and caregivers understand what anxiety may look like in their child or youth and when they may need to seek out professional support. Additional resources from School Mental Health Ontario are embedded throughout this toolkit, along with ways for families to connect with their community child and youth mental health services.
Part 1: What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal part of life that we all experience now and then. However, if anxious feelings, thoughts, and responses start to interfere with normal daily activities, it may be time to look a bit more deeply at what might be going on. This section introduces anxiety, what it looks like, why it happens, and some common anxiety disorders.
Part 2: How can I support my child or youth with anxiety?
As a parent or caregiver, there are many ways you can help your child manage their anxiety. It’s important to engage with any professionals who are also working with your child or young person. This page offers some concrete strategies for supporting your child or youth.
Part 3: How can I seek formal support for anxiety?
As a parent or caregiver, it’s hard to see your child struggle. This section discusses how to know when to seek professional help for your child or youth, including what happens if they receive a formal diagnosis, and some additional resources to help you learn more.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone.
If you are a parent/caregiver worried about your child, or a young person looking for help yourself – please reach out. Our network of child and youth mental health centres has 4,000 professionals ready to help children, youth and families with free counselling and treatment. We provide care in person, on the phone and virtually. No problem is too big or small.
Find your closest child and youth mental health centre.