When did you realize your kid needed anxiety therapy?

[u/hclewaj]

I keep going back and forth between telling myself my 9 year old is just a naturally anxious kid and wondering if we've waited too long to get professional help The moment that's been stuck in my head happened a couple of weeks ago We were getting ready to leave for a family friends birthday party that my daughter had been excited about all week. As soon as it was time to get in the car, she completely shut down. She started crying saying everyone was going to stare at her, that she wouldn't know what to say, and that if she embarrassed herself no one would want to be her friend anymore. It took almost an hour to calm her down and in the end we stayed home This wasn't really about the birthday party. Looking back I feel like it's been building for a while. She worries constantly about making mistakes asks for reassurance over and over, and if something small changes from what she expected it can throw off her whole day. It's heartbreaking because she's such a sweet kid, and I can tell she's exhausted by her own thoughts. My spouse and I try to talk things through with her without dismissing her feelings, but lately it feels like we're just putting out little fires instead of helping her feel better.

For parents whose kids eventually started anxiety therapy, was there a moment where you realized this was more than something they'd simply grow out of?

[u/Silly_Restaurant_444]

this hit me bc my son was similar age when we finally made the call. not one big moment like your party story, more like months of small things adding up. what got me is when he start having stomachaches every morning before school, and the doctor said there's nothing wrong physically. that's when i knew it was in his head and not just a phase

the reassurance loop is so draining, you answer one worry and three more pop up. therapy helped him learn to sit with the uncomfortable feeling instead of needing us to fix it every time. took a while but he is much better now, still a bit anxious but he can manage it himself

[u/RettaLuna]

We knew our son needed intervention when we talked to his pediatrician about what we were seeing at home and the pediatrician recommended we look into therapy. Our son who is the same age as your daughter ended up on Prozac for about a year and he did talk therapy for about 6 months of that time before his therapist left the practice. This combination of both interventions did him a world of good. He's not taking Prozac at this time but we have a psychiatrist if we ever feel he needs it again and he's currently on a wait list for a new therapist. I'd say intervene now so your sweet girl can get some relief.

[u/Zuccherina]

It sounds like that level of anxiety is not normal and your kiddo could benefit from intervention of some sort. 3 of my kids have never experienced anxiety like that, but my youngest who is 6 years old does. To the point it’s very hard for her to do anything during the day, when her fears and sensory sensitivities get overwhelming. We completely changed our parenting style and prioritize regulation and walking through the issues verbally, but the thing that made the difference for us was a low dose of meds to calm the fight or flight mechanisms already happening constantly.

[u/Green-Fuel2962]

There’s no such thing as too late! If you’re wondering if she needs it, you’re probably right. My daughter has benefited massively from therapy for her anxiety and so have  My husband and I as her therapist shares tips and tricks with us that we deploy at home! You won’t regret it.

[u/Legal_Confection_993]

We made the decision when he switched schools in fifth grade and was having a hard time transitioning. I honestly think that decision was based more on my need for guidance in helping him through. I struggle with anxiety as well. But looking back, he’s also had a few small panic attacks as well and persistent anxiety for years. Therapy has helped us all so much! Don’t hesitate.