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PA
UK News

Christian parents must talk to their children about anxiety, say charities

The advice follows a NSPPC report released today that indicated a 35 per cent rise in the number of young people who called Childline to discuss their anxiety over the last year.

The figures show that 11,706 young people called the counselling service about anxiety this year. Young people's worries ranged from family problems and cyber bullying to Brexit and the US election. Girls were seven times more likely to get in touch than boys.

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Why are our children anxious?

"Things like the EU referendum and the US election make me worry about my future and how things are going to change. I feel really sorry for the refugees because it isn't their fault that their country is at war." 

Teenage girl who contacted Childline

"I'm really worried about what is going on in the world. People have talked about a world war starting and I get really scared thinking about this." 

Young boy who contacted Childline

Rachael Newham, the co-founding director of ThinkTwice, told Premier: "Shielding children from what is happening in the world is not effective any more. We need to face their anxieties head on so that their worries do not fester."

ThinkTwice provides mental health training for youth workers and pastors. Newham believes that the best way for churches to help their young people is by using the Bible responsibly. She said: "There is a mandate from Jesus that you can rely on him but, don't use this verse as a stick to beat someone with anxiety around the head with. Anxiety doesn't make us a bad person. Use verses as comfort for the person who is suffering."

Parents are also being encouraged to talk to children about their worries to determine whether or not they have anxiety. Dr Kate Middleton director of Premier Mind and Soul advises: "Give young people space to discuss their fears in a safe environment. Don't try to change the subject because you are worried or uncomfortable yourself but allow them to explore their emotions.

"Many children have anxieties but you know there is a problem if you see that they stop doing the stuff they enjoy or if their anxiety has an impact on their everyday life. Speak to your GP for advice and visit the Mind and Soul website to get information from the mental health access pack."

 
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