Clinical psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore, known as Dr. Friendtastic, dives into the complexities of anxiety in children. She explains how moderate anxiety can be a useful survival mechanism, while excessive worry may hinder growth and enjoyment. Eileen offers practical tips for managing anxiety, including the 'badness scale' to assess fears and emphasizing small acts of courage to build confidence. She reassures young listeners that they're not alone, as even adults face similar feelings, fostering a sense of shared experience.
Understanding that moderate anxiety is beneficial can help improve focus and performance in challenging situations.
Recognizing when anxiety becomes overwhelming is essential for seeking help and developing effective coping strategies.
Deep dives
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, tension, or fear about anticipated events. This emotion can manifest both in the mind and body, with physical symptoms such as a racing heart or muscle tension being common indicators. Understanding that anxiety is a universal experience can help normalize this feeling, as everyone encounters anxiety to some degree throughout their lives. It serves an evolutionary purpose by acting as a warning system that prepares individuals to handle perceived dangers.
The Role of Anxiety in Performance
Anxiety can be beneficial when experienced in moderation, as it can enhance focus and drive performance during challenging situations, such as tests or social events. A balanced level of anxiety can motivate individuals to prepare effectively and approach new experiences with a sense of readiness. This concept is illustrated through the example of an athlete: while very low or very high anxiety can hinder performance, a moderate level allows for optimal alertness and preparation. Recognizing this can help individuals view their anxiety as a tool that can support their success rather than an obstacle.
Managing Anxiety and Seeking Support
It is crucial to distinguish between normal anxiety and feelings that are overwhelming and disruptive to daily life. If anxiety begins to interfere with activities or causes significant distress, it is important to seek help from trusted adults who can offer guidance and perspective. Developing coping strategies, such as asking oneself specific questions about the severity and likelihood of worries, can empower individuals to manage their feelings more effectively. Furthermore, facing fears proactively, rather than avoiding them, can help reduce anxiety over time and foster personal growth and resilience.
Why do we worry and how can we deal with it? Why do we get anxious? Where does anxiety come from? Anxiety or worry is a hard feeling to overcome, but it’s a universal human emotion. In this episode, we explore anxiety with clinical psychologist Eileen Kennedy-Moore, also known as Dr. Friendtastic. She helps us understand why moderate anxiety is useful and necessary. But too much worry can prevent you from learning new things or doing activities that could be fun. And she has some tips for how to overcome anxious feelings.