Anxiety Flares and Escalations

Progress is not always linear, and at times, anxiety levels can increase again. In fact, temporary escalations in anxiety are to be expected. When this happens, it does not mean that all your child’s progress is lost! Although increases in anxiety levels are often seen as negative, it is important to use anxiety escalations as opportunities to encourage your child to practice the habits and skills they learned in LUNA. For instance, did your child use any coping skills in LUNA to lower their anxiety enough to complete a hard exposure activity? What has helped them manage their anxiety? Remember, feeling anxious is a normal part of being human, and the goal of LUNA is to learn how to manage unhelpful amounts of anxiety, not to completely get rid of anxiety.

However, when planning for the future, it can be helpful to think about your child’s specific anxiety cues, or “flares,” that let you know their anxiety might be getting serious again.

Flares could be behaviors, body sensations, thoughts, and/or feelings. Your child may communicate these anxious thoughts, feelings, or sensations to you, or you may have to observe them for yourself.

• Behaviors: You may notice your child avoiding situations that make them anxious. They might refuse to do something that makes them anxious, decline trying new activities or social invitations, isolate themselves, or try distracting themselves from their fears/worries. They might start using quick fixes again, like asking questions about their fears, or repeatedly checking on things they are worried about.
• Body Sensations: You may notice your child trembling, fidgeting, sweating, or turning red in the face. They might complain that their heart is racing or their stomach hurts.
• Thoughts: Your child may tell you that something really bad will happen although it is very unlikely.
  • Example: “If I speak up and talk in class, I will say something stupid, and everyone will make fun of me."

What are some of your child’s anxiety flares? What will signal to you that their anxiety is getting serious? Write down what you come up with on the Anxiety Flares worksheet.

Persistent Escalations in Anxiety

Sometimes, escalations in anxiety can last longer. If you notice that your child or teen’s anxiety levels have been escalated for a long period of time, it may be time to ask for some extra help from a licensed mental health professional.

We don’t want kids or teens to be in a persistent state of anxiety. Even though your child now has tools and skills to help them manage anxiety, receiving some extra assistance or guidance is perfectly okay, and could be extremely helpful! 

Reaching out to a licensed mental health professional does not mean that you have failed. We all need a little help sometimes, and it can be very useful to get another opinion, especially when your child is having trouble bringing down their anxiety.

If this is the case for you, we have included some information and resources on the next page to help you find mental health professionals and navigate this process.