Matters Of The Mind: Conquering Back-To-School Anxiety

BOSTON (CBS) – For Jennifer Nickola of Lynn, her son Nick’s well-being became the all-consuming focus of her life around the time he was 3 or 4-years-old. “I remember my husband and I saying ‘this is not normal,'” Nickola told WBZ-TV. Read: More ‘Matters of the Mind’ The couple says Nick would have trouble articulating what was bothering him and he would act out in frustration. There were also physical symptoms. Nick had trouble sleeping and would become nauseous. Eventually there was something to call it: Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Nick, now 10-years-old, is far from an unusual case. A report from the National Institutes of Health says anxiety disorders are the most frequent mental disorders in children and adolescents. “This is not anything to be ashamed of,” echoes Dr. Lisa Fiore, an expert in early childhood development at Lesley University. “We have to fight through this stigma that somehow still exists.” With help from professionals, and a network of support with the Parent/Professional Advocacy League, the Nickolas have found some techniques to help Nick adapt to new situations. “If I’m like, ‘oh what are you feeling anxious about?’ or asking specific questions, not only can he not pinpoint it, it makes him agitated and aggravated,” said Jenn Nickola. “I try to avoid that and just let him talk to me about what he’s feeling.” Nickola says Nick is more lik...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local Bree Sison Matters Of The Mind Source Type: news