By Amanda Eliseo, M.A., LPC
For most of us, parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of stress, uncertainty and anxiety. Anxiety itself is a natural human experience that plays a key role in our lives. It can alert us to potential threats, which then allows us to adapt to our environment and survive. For COVID-19, our anxiety has helped us by kicking in our protective instincts to keep our families safe by implementing responses such a social distancing, wearing masks, and hand-washing. Scientific research has even linked anxiety to stimulating creativity. We have certainly seen this in some of the creative ways our communities and families have responded to the pandemic.
While anxiety does have a helpful function, it can take a heavy toll on some, and it can be especially harsh on our children. Behavioral health professionals are beginning to see a surge in children’s mental health issues related to the stresses of COVID-19. Furthermore, children and teens with pre-existing conditions such as Autism, ADHD, depression and substance abuse are at increased risk for experiencing worsening mental health symptoms during this time.
Like adults, not all children and teens respond and experience anxiety in the same way. Right now, it is an important time for us as parents to watch for behavioral changes that might be a sign our child is struggling. Some of these signs might include: excessive crying or irritability in young children, returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, bedwetting), excessive worry or sadness, ‘acting out’ in teens, loss of interest in activities, attention and concentration problems, poor school performance, or unexplained headaches, to name a few. Oftentimes, mild anxiety issues will resolve on their own with support at home. And because children often take cues from their parents, the most powerful way to help is by managing your own anxiety. If your child’s symptoms are severe or don’t seem to improve with your support, it may be time to seek mental health services.
While there are many mental health services available in our community, one effective and empirically-supported treatment for children is Coping Cat and the C.A.T. Project for teens. Coping Cat is a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program developed by Phillip Kendall, Ph.D., of Temple University. Coping Cat has been studied extensively in clinical trials over the past 7 years, and found to be effective in treating anxiety-related disorders in children, including those with high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program is offered as an individual or a group therapy, is 16 weeks long, and also offers two sessions between the therapist and parent(s) or guardian(s). Throughout the program, the child will learn to recognize and cope with anxiety, manage their level of anxiety, and master developmentally appropriate tasks. At the end of treatment, the child will have developed a personalized F.E.A.R. plan to use in anxiety-provoking situations.
At West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, the Coping Cat and C.A.T. Program is now being offered at three of our clinical sites; in Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Chino Valley, and can also be provided via tele-health. If you are interested in learning more about this program for your child, please contact 928-445-5211.
Amanda Eliseo, M.A., LPC, is a Children’s Program Manager at West Yavapai Guidance Clinic