Do you pass on your anxiety to your kids? Here’s how to stop it

We all look up to our parents as our role models as youngsters and try to emulate their behaviour. Our parents teach us the majority of whatever we know as children. When parents show unpleasant behaviour, it has a negative impact on their children's minds. Anxiety is often genetic although it can also be caused by external factors.  

What does research say? 
Psychological research reveals that, in addition to a child's temperament, a parent's level of worry can disrupt a child's mental makeup, introducing mood disorders, addictions, and even depression. This includes conditions like ADHD and autism. 

According to internationally acclaimed US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, in almost 35% of the cases family history is responsible for anxiety related mental disorders. Experts had examined about 600 young rhesus monkeys, choosing from large multi-generation families. It was found that   

What are the symptoms of anxiety? 
Panic attacks, sleeping issues, difficulty in concentrating, memory problems, becoming agitated, and feeling unsettled are some of the early symptoms of anxiety that can be detected and treated. 

Panic disorders, phobias, social anxiety disorders, separation anxiety disorders, overthinking tendencies, and suicidal thoughts emerge in children from these symptoms.  

How do parents pass on anxiety? 
Kids are more sensitive to tensed situations as their mind is not completely developed to withstand strain.  

• Parents who disseminate negativity can easily affect their children. It's natural to feel nervous or unhappy at uncontrollable factors such as Covid19 and the lockdown. It is, nonetheless, the parents’ responsibility to safeguard their children against such concerns. 
• Getting nervous in front of them, cursing, or becoming enraged can also damage children’s minds.  
• There are a few occasions where parents' marriages are in conflict, which makes the child overthink. Fighting or cursing in front of their children has an impact on their mental health. 
• Another common situation: parents may place too much pressure on their children to get good grades, making them feel worthless or powerless, causing a child's mental health to suffer. 

Helping kids manage anxiety  
It’s not like transmitting mental illness to children is inevitable if you are suffering from it. Try taking these small steps:  

• If you see your children are experiencing anxiety disorders, the first thing you should do is let go of your guilt. Blaming or punishing yourself is not a solution; in fact, it may make things worse. 
• You must first learn to manage your own stress before trying to help your child.  
• You must be more willing to converse with the children. 
• Make your child feel at ease. Learn their trigger point, help them in overcoming it, and let them know you are there for them.  
• Don't make it seem like a huge deal to them. The situation should not seem unsurmountable.  
• Educate them on the subject of mental illness. A child can overcome worry with your effort and assistance.