My almost 4 yr old has become extremely anxious around any new people and becomes hysterical if we have any guests over to our house (even family members if she hasn't seen them in a while). She hides and says she doesn't want anyone to see her. She's always been shy, but it has gotten much worse in the past 3-4 weeks. I talked to her preschool teacher, and she described my daughter as behaving as though she is on the edge of a cliff about to have a break down. I think she needs some type of therapy, but don't know where to start. I want her to be happy rather than miserable and afraid of everything. Has anyone had experience with this, or can recommend anyone?
I agree with the other responses. You may also want to check out a book called "The Highly Sensitive Child". The author's last name is Aron.
Good luck!
I really do believe therapy is the best answer right now. She needs to be happy not fearful of everything. Kids can and do have emotional issues and break downs so don't be afraid to get help. Seek a child psychologist or psychiatrist. If your daughter does not hit it off with him or her, don't despair, seek another one. There may be some issues with having a baby brother. I don't know where you live and what kind of insurance you have. I know an excellent source in the Danville area. Also, Kaiser does have full resources. Also, you can get a referral from Parents Helping Parents. They are a great resource. Good luck!
Hi J. -
Social anxiety of this severity at this age is fairly uncommon. Kids are frequently shy and may not want to participate in 'grown up' activities like parties (my son was like that) but if her teacher is seeing it in preschool, that's cause for concern.
I'd recommend setting up an intake at Children's Health Council in Palo Alto for a screening. They can 'rule out' any other issues and can help you and your daughter discover what is causing her anxiety and then begin to treat it. It is critical to have a solid assessment done before you begin treatment, which is why I recommend going this route rather than going directly to a therapist.
If you need any additional resources, please call or write me. You can find my contact info on my web page, www.evolibri.com.
Best of wishes,
J.
Hi J.,
There are many great psychologists around that do play therapy. Kids have so much fun, they really have no idea they are being helped! JFK and Campbell family and teen center both provie low cost therapy for individuals and families and since the thereapists are in training, it is really low cost.
Good luck
Try Margo Thienemann, MD on Welch Road. ###-###-####. She is a specialist in anxiety and taught at Stanford for many years. She does cognitive behavior therapy with children and adolescents, and only suggests medication if that doesn't work. Good luck.
This has gone beyond shy. I recommend picking up the book called Healing Anxiety and Depression by Doctors Daniel G. Amen and Lisa C Routh. It's a fabulous book. It explains why this occurs, then gives you information on how to help it, supplements, diet, exercise, cognitive therapy, and for some medication (though I'd wanna try everything else first before trying medication since she's so young), etc. It's also available on audio CD.
