Overpowering Emotions: Tools for Child & Teen Anxiety and Resilience

Today I talk about why TRYING to make an anxious child relax only makes their anxiety worse. While relaxation is important, the problem is when we focus on relaxation as the outcome. Find out why in today's episode. 

Prefer to watch? https://youtu.be/96Bdcl_DsPs

*IMPORTANT! Sometimes people have a hard time listening to this message. It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective.  

The strategies I discuss are designed to strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

I had loads of questions about conditioned safety learning and whether this is a good thing or not. No! Conditioned safety learning can also make anxiety worse. Listen in on today's episode to learn more about conditioned safety learning and how to avoid it.

You can also watch here!

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

In today's episode we look at safety behaviours and how they make anxiety worse. Essentially, safety behaviours are things children and teens do to feel a little safer and/or less anxious. The problem is, these behaviours reinforce the anxiety story that they can't handle the situation or the discomfort anxiety brings. Therefore, in any work we do, we must ensure there aren't safety behaviours impeding progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to download the safety behaviour handout to use with your clients!

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

From last time, talking about how we can hinder brain development so easily, I thought I'd shed some light on the myth of happiness. It is easy for anxious kids and teens to think there is something wrong with them when they can't be happy, though that is the furthest thing from the truth. They are human! Anxiety is part of being human. Understanding the myth of happiness can help them normalize their experiences.

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

Last week I said that whatever we do to make anxious kids feel better actually makes their anxiety worse. I had lots of questions on this one. So, today, I go into WHY that is the case....

We'll explore the psychology behind this phenomenon, uncovering how well-intentioned actions can hinder a child's brain development and ability to cope with anxiety. I'll highlight the unintended consequences of certain practices and the delicate balance needed to support anxious children without fostering dependence on external validation or reassurance.

*IMPORTANT!* It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective. This approach is not about leaving children to "suck it up" but rather empowering them with the resilience and skills they need to manage their anxieties. Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

Remember, our responses are always supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss aim to strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and supportive relationship. The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through over-reassurance while providing the necessary connection children need to thrive. This approach finds a balance between supportive empathy and confidence, promoting healthy emotional development. When children become the heroes of their own stories, they won't experience trauma.

Join me today as I continue to unravel the complexities of childhood anxiety and pave the way for more effective, empowering approaches.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

I am excited to chat with Joe Sanock from The Practice of the Practice about the Imposter Phenomenon (IP). In this episode, I discuss various factors that contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, even in highly successful individuals. Together, we explore strategies and techniques to overcome IP, helping you build confidence and recognize your true worth.

We also touch on practical tools to enhance your productivity and combat perfectionism, which often goes hand-in-hand with IP. I'll introduce you to a productivity planner that can help you stay organized and focused, ensuring that perfectionism doesn't hold you back from achieving your goals.

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable tips to tackle IP and boost your productivity. Don't miss this empowering conversation designed to help you unlock your full potential!

Check out the productivity planner AND see if perfectionism is holding you back.

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

As parents, educators, and mental health professionals, we all want to be helpful to the children and teens in our life. And we all want to help them manage their anxiety effectively. However, in us wanting them to feel better, sometimes our actions can unintentionally make their anxiety worse. In today's episode, I discuss the common traps that caregivers (and all adults, really) fall into that can maintain anxiety in children and teenagers.

It's important to understand that knowing what maintains anxiety is far more crucial than figuring out where it came from. Pinpointing the exact cause of anxiety can be difficult, if not impossible, given the way our brain works (and its tendency to make irrational associations). However, understanding what keeps it going is essential. Because there is something we can do about it. As caregivers, educators, or mental health professionals, we cannot effectively help our anxious children and teens if we're not aware of the variables - including the things that we are doing - that are maintaining their anxiety. 

We need to stop falling into these traps if we are ever going to see progress with our kids.

This informative episode is essential to explore the traps that adults can fall into that maintain anxiety in children and teenagers. Learn how to identify and address these variables to help children and teens manage their anxiety better. 

Prefer to WATCH? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REUte_yLpqY)

*IMPORTANT! Sometimes people have a hard time listening to this message. It's crucial to understand that a strong, securely attached relationship with adults is foundational for any strategies I discuss to be effective. This approach is not about leaving children to "suck it up" but rather empowering them with the resilience and skills they need to manage their anxieties. Secure attachment ensures that children feel safe, supported, and understood, which is essential for fostering independence and emotional growth.

Remember: our responses are

ALWAYS supportive and empathetic. The strategies I discuss are designed to

strengthen a child's emotional resilience within the context of a secure and

supportive relationship. The goal is to avoid reinforcing anxiety through over-reassurance,

while still providing the necessary connection children need to thrive. This

approach is about finding a balance between supportive empathy and confidence

that promotes healthy emotional development. When

they can be the heroes of their own story, they will not experience trauma.

I also have FREE webinars for mental health professionals to learn more about the common mistakes we make that stall children's progress in managing anxiety. Be sure to check it out (https://koru-learning-institute.thinkific.com/courses/avoidingcommonmistakeswithanxiety), along with other training opportunities with me!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carolinebuzanko

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carolinebuzanko/

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-caroline-buzanko

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCarolineBuzanko/

Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

After talking about why our children and teens are not getting the support they need to manage anxiety last week, I received a lot of questions about what might be causing their anxiety. Today, I delve deeper into this topic and try to understand some of the most important factors that contribute to our kids' anxiety.

First of all, it's important to remember that anxiety is a part of our evolutionary heritage. Our ancestors lived in a dangerous world, and anxiety was a useful response to keep them safe. However, the world we live in today is vastly different from what our ancestors experienced. The same anxious response that helped our ancestors might not be as helpful in our modern world. So, there must be something else contributing to our children's anxiety.

The number one contributor to anxiety is stress. Stress is a normal part of being human, and we all face it at some point in our lives. However, some unique stressors that we have control over are contributing to our children's anxiety. Understanding these stressors is crucial to helping our children manage their anxiety.

In today's episode, we'll explore the most common stressors that our children and teenagers face. By understanding these stressors, we can help our children cope better and reduce their anxiety levels. So, stay tuned for an informative and insightful episode on the common stressors our children and teens face!

Want to watch? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4-bDgYC6CY)

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

In today's episode, I discuss why our anxious children and teens are not getting the help they need. Anxiety is the most common mental health concern affecting children and teens. Despite all the books, training, and knowledge out there, anxiety has continued to rise even before COVID and has grown exponentially around the world since.

Despite this prevalence, many children are not getting the support they need to manage their anxiety. In today’s episode, I discuss why children and tends are not getting the support they need.

Part of the problem is the stigma attached to mental health issues. Some may not want to acknowledge that their child is struggling with anxiety, or they may not know how to talk to their child about it. This can make it difficult for children to seek help or for parents to know where to turn for support.

Additionally, adults, including educators and parents, but even other mental health professionals who do not specialize in anxiety do not know how to respond effectively to anxiety. This can leave children feeling unsupported. Thus, all adults who interact with anxious children need to know how to respond to anxiety in helpful ways when it shows up.

It is essential to understand what is getting in the way of effectively supporting our anxious children and teens. After all, anxiety is easily preventable and treatable!

However, when left untreated, anxiety can have serious consequences for children's and teens' mental and physical health. Anxiety can interfere with their ability to learn, socialize, and enjoy life. It can also lead to physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, which can further impact their well-being.

Without proper support and treatment, our anxious children and teens are at risk of developing more serious mental health issues later in life.

This episode is critical to raise awareness about the prevalence of anxiety in children and teens and address the barriers getting in the way of effective treatment. In doing so, we can ensure they get the support they need to manage their anxiety and thrive.

Be sure to listen in!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/

In today’s episode of Overpowering Emotions, I address the questions: 

What is the difference between normal worry and anxiety?

and

When should kids get help?

Anxiety and worry are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. While both can be unpleasant and unwanted emotions, understanding the differences between normal worry and anxiety is essential for parents to understand so they know how to best support their children’s emotional well-being and resilience.

Often, parents wait too long to get their child support. Some of the time it’s because they are told their child will grow out of it. Or they might not even realize that their child is experiencing anxiety. Other times, their child is experiencing normal worries but parents become overly concerned and pathologize the situation. 

Understanding the difference between normal worry and anxiety can also help children better manage their emotions – especially when parents know how to respond in helpful ways.

Knowing the difference between normal worry and anxiety can also help children, teens, and their families better communicate their feelings to others. If they are experiencing anxiety, they may need to communicate their symptoms and needs to a mental health professional. If they are experiencing a normal worry, they may need to communicate their concerns and seek support or advice from a trusted adult.

Be sure to tune in to today’s episode to learn more about normal worries and anxiety and when to get kids' help. Knowing the answer to these questions is critical to help raise emotionally well-adjusted, resilient kids!

Enjoying the show? Help out by rating this podcast on Apple to help others get access to this information too! apple.co/3ysFijh

Follow Dr. Caroline

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Website: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/

Resources: https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/resources/articles-child-resilience-well-being-psychology/

Business inquiries: https://korupsychology.ca/contact-us/

Want to learn more about helping kids strengthen their emotion regulation skills and problem-solving brains while boosting their confidence, independence, and resilience? Check out my many training opportunities! https://drcarolinebuzanko.com/upcoming-events/