And how do they affect #children?
Writer: Rachel Ehmke
Clinical Expert: Dave Anderson, PhD
- #Socialanxietydisorder
- #Selectivemutism
- #Generalizedanxietydisorder
- #Panicdisorder
- #Obsessivecompulsivedisorder
- #Specificphobia
We all feel anxious sometimes, but some #children experience #anxiety that is so serious that it can be diagnosed as a disorder. A #child may have an #anxietydisorder if their #anxiety is:
- Unrealistic
- Doesn’t go away
- Makes them start avoiding everyday things
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joywww.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
Here are some different kinds of #anxiety that #children may be diagnosed with.
#Separationanxietydisorder
#Children with #separationanxiety become extremely upset when they are separated from their caregivers. The distress that they feel is unusual for their age.
Some signs include:
- Worrying about #parents getting sick or dying
- Worrying about getting lost or kidnapped
- Not wanting to go to #school
#Socialanxietydisorder
#Children with #socialanxietydisorder are very self-conscious. They can find it difficult to hang out with peers or participate in class.
Some signs include:
- Avoiding social situations
- Feeling panicky during social situations. Older kids may shake, sweat, or be short of breath. Younger #kids may have tantrums or cry.
- Worrying people will judge them for being anxious
#Selectivemutism
#Children with #selectivemutism have a hard time speaking in some places, like at #school. Their #anxiety goes beyond typical shyness. Kids with SM can’t speak even when they badly want to.
Some signs include:
- Feeling “frozen” with #anxiety and unable to speak
- Being able to speak in some places but not others (like #school or around certain people)
#Generalizedanxietydisorder
#Children with #generalizedanxietydisorder (#GAD) worry about lots of everyday things. #Kids with GAD are often particularly worried about how they are doing in #school.
Some signs include:
- Being a perfectionist
- Feeling “out of control” #anxiety about many different things
- Having trouble sleeping
#Panicdisorder
#Children with #panicdisorder have a history of panic attacks. Panic attacks are a scary and very sudden surge of symptoms that can make #kids worry they are dying or “going crazy.”
Some signs include:
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
#Obsessivecompulsivedisorder
#Children with #OCD experience unwanted thoughts, worries or impulses called obsessions. They often also develop repetitive actions — called compulsions — to calm the #anxiety caused by their obsessions.
Some signs include:
- Fear of doing something “bad”
- Repeatedly asking for reassurance
- Repeatedly washing hands or making things even
Specific #phobia
#Children with specific #phobia have extreme fears about a particular thing. These things aren’t typically considered dangerous but seem very scary to the #child.
There are five common kinds:
- The animal type, or avoiding animals and bugs
- The natural environment type, or avoiding things like storms, heights or water
- The blood-injection-injury type, or avoiding things like seeing blood or getting a shot
- The situational type, or avoiding things like flying, tunnels and bridges
- The other type, or avoiding things like loud sounds, choking, vomiting and costumed characters
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org