Most people know what anxiety feels like; butterflies in the stomach, sweating, elevated heartbeat, and tense muscles. Although it doesn’t feel good, it usually subsides relatively quickly. But what happens when anxiety doesn’t go away or occurs in situations that are typically not anxiety-provoking such as eating in public or going to sleep? According to many statistics, anxiety-related disorders are the most common psychological issues affecting children and youth. Although the importance of mental health is increasingly recognized, many people do not have a clear understanding of the difference between healthy levels of anxiety and levels that could benefit from some type of intervention.

Anxiety is a normal feeling and can even be helpful in certain circumstances, but many people suffer from high levels of anxiety that make everyday life a struggle. There are many different types of anxiety disorders ranging from phobias and panic disorders, to social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders. When children and parents don’t understand what is happening and have no tools to prevent and treat the anxiety, it can escalate and lead to more stress, misunderstandings, and often depression.

Thanks to 4Korners and the CHSSN (Community Health and Social Services Network) many elementary schools here in the Laurentians are now including FRIENDS as part of their curriculum.

Developed by Australian researcher Dr. Paula Barrett, FRIENDS is a program aimed at promoting resilience and preventing anxiety in children. Originally geared towards four to seven year olds, the FRIENDS program now consists of three programs; Fun FRIENDS for four to seven year olds, FRIENDS For Life for six to twelve year olds, and MY FRIENDS Youth and Adult Resilience Program.

The program uses play, stories, and discussion to help children learn how to identify and cope with anxiety and stress. There is a strong focus on empathy and the ability to understand and recognize different feelings. There is also a component that addresses being aware of the cues our bodies send us when we’re feeling anxious or stressed. Children are then encouraged to learn how to cope with uncomfortable feelings in a healthy way. This allows them to recognize the signs and signals of distress and gives them concrete ways to calm themselves down and start feeling better.

Diet, exercise, and sleep are among the most important and effective ways to cope with anxiety. Unfortunately, many children and adults struggle to meet their bodies’ needs in these key areas. FRIENDS teaches this and helps children learn other coping mechanisms such as deep breathing to promote relaxation, identifying activities that make them feel good and help them relax, and the importance of being kind to others in order to make themselves feel better and build a strong network of support.

Giving children the knowledge and power to control their own thoughts and actions empowers them to cope effectively with the anxiety and stress of everyday life both now and in the future.