As parents shared their experiences with me, I learned about a family facing the challenges of social anxiety disorder in their child, referred to here as Lilly. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on her, with closed schools and limited social interactions making it increasingly difficult for her to return to the classroom. This story underscores the importance of providing support and understanding for children like Lilly.
Recognising the Signs: A Journey of Understanding
The first step in supporting Lilly was recognising the signs of social anxiety disorder. Her parents observed avoidance of social situations, increased distress in group settings, and heightened self-consciousness. Educating themselves about social anxiety disorder, its impact, and the best ways to support Lilly’s mental health was crucial.
Caring for Their Own Wellbeing
Lilly’s parents realised that caring for their own mental health and wellbeing was essential to providing the best support. They sought guidance from mental health professionals and connected with support groups for parents of children with anxiety disorders. Taking time for self-care and maintaining open communication helped them stay resilient throughout the journey.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Their home became a safe haven for Lilly, where she could express her fears and emotions without judgement. The family established a supportive routine that allowed for gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. Open conversations about anxiety provided reassurance and empathy while gently challenging avoidance behaviours.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Understanding the complexity of social anxiety disorder, Lilly’s parents sought the expertise of mental health professionals specialising in treating children with anxiety. Through therapy, Lilly learned coping strategies to manage her anxiety and build resilience. Family therapy sessions provided valuable insights into how to best support Lilly’s progress.
Embracing a New Learning Environment
Recognising that returning to a traditional school setting might not be the best immediate option, the family explored alternative educational paths that could accommodate Lilly’s social anxiety. They worked closely with educators to develop a personalised learning plan that fostered a sense of safety and supported her educational goals.
Celebrating Every Step Forward
Throughout this journey, the family learned to celebrate even the smallest victories. Each step Lilly took outside her comfort zone, whether it was engaging in a conversation with a peer or attending a social gathering, was a testament to her bravery and resilience. They encouraged and acknowledged her efforts, nurturing her confidence and self-esteem.
Continuing the Journey of Support
The journey supporting Lilly’s social anxiety disorder is ongoing, and her family remains committed to providing unwavering support. They recognise that progress may not always be linear but remain dedicated to creating a loving and understanding environment where Lilly feels empowered to face her fears. They continue to seek professional guidance, connect with support networks, and adapt their approach as Lilly’s needs evolve.
Workplace Context: Supporting Parents of School-Aged Children with Anxiety Disorders
When an employee’s child is dealing with an anxiety disorder, it can significantly impact the employee’s wellbeing and performance at work. Here’s how workplaces can provide support:
- Provide Reasonable Adjustments: Offer flexible working hours or remote work options to help employees manage their caregiving responsibilities.
- Be Emotionally Supportive: Foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health, where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of stigma.
- Normalise Mental Health Conversations: Encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce stigma and promote understanding within the workplace.
- Encourage Help-Seeking: Promote the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for both employees and their families. Highlight that EAP services often extend to family members, including children and partners.
- Supportive Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the employee, offering empathy and understanding.
By implementing these supportive measures, workplaces can help employees navigate the challenges of supporting a child with an anxiety disorder, ensuring both the employee and their child receive the necessary support to thrive.
The Bottom Line
Supporting a child with social anxiety disorder can be both challenging and rewarding. Providing understanding, compassion, and personalised support makes a significant difference. Employers can play a crucial role by recognising and validating the difficulties faced by their staff and providing a supportive environment. This story aims to inspire other parents to advocate for their child’s mental health and wellbeing, creating a nurturing environment that allows their children to thrive.
Author: Teresa Coffey
References
Fristad, M. E. (2016). Evidence-Based Treatment of Bipolar Disorder in Youth. Retrieved from ABCT eLearning
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from NIMH
Spring Health. (n.d.). Supporting Employees with Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from Spring Health
International Bipolar Foundation. (n.d.). Managing Bipolar Disorder in the Workplace. Retrieved from IBPF
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