James Donaldson on Mental Health - Why Childhood Anxiety Often Goes Undetected

Avoidance reinforces anxiety Kids with untreated anxiety also begin to develop poor coping skills.

A common example is avoidance — people who are very anxious will try to contain it by avoiding the thing that makes them anxious.

It’s a short-term solution that unfortunately reinforces their anxiety instead of acclimating them to it.

Similarly, untreated anxiety can lead to lower self-esteem , academic dysfunction, and self-medication through substance abuse .

Anxiety leads to depression People living with anxiety for extended periods of time are also more likely to develop depression .

It isn’t uncommon to meet patients who come seeking treatment for depression or depressive symptoms and it turns out that they have been dealing with lifelong anxiety as well.

In cases like this people need treatment for anxiety and depression.

Fortunately, we know a lot about how to treat anxiety.

It responds very well to cognitive behavior therapy , and there are medications that work , too.

Getting help makes a big difference, and treatment doesn’t need to be a lifelong thing — although its positive effects will be.