Monthly Archives: June 2011

Be Not Anxious…Is Medication Safe for Kids With Anxiety?

One of the greatest ongoing controversies in the fields of child psychiatry and pediatrics is the question of how safe SSRIs are in children, teens and young adults. The safety issue of greatest concern involves reported risks of SSRIs increasing suicidal thoughts during the first 30-60 days of treatment in persons under the age of 25.
Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Controversies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…The Role of Medication for Kids With Anxiety

Medication is appropriate for children who experience moderate to severe functional impairment from anxiety symptoms, fail to respond or respond incompletely to psychotherapy or experience one or more comorbid conditions that require concurrent treatment. Medication is also appropriate when anxiety symptoms interfere with the child’s ability to participate in or benefit from talk therapy, or situations when the family is unable to access therapy for geographic or financial reasons. Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…Understanding Treatment of Anxiety Disorders in Kids

In general, the most effective approach to treating kids with significant anxiety is a combination of medication and a very specific counseling approach referred to as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Rules of the Community…Everyone Gets to Play!

Every person or organization with a love for Jesus Christ, a heart for sharing the Good News of His Gospel with kids with disabilities and their families and a demonstrable capacity to do ministry with a standard of excellence that advances God’s reputation in the world gets to “play” with our team. Continue reading

Posted in Key Ministry, Leadership, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Be Not Anxious…Technology as a Ministry Tool for Kids With Anxiety?

What if churches began to make use of available technology to keep kids who struggle to overcome their anxiety engaged with youth ministry? Could kids who are too shy to attend church or participate in small groups connect with a local church through an online worship experience, coupled with discussion facilitated and monitored by a youth pastor or group leader? Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Not Anxious…What Causes Anxiety Disorders in Children?

Welcome to our Summer Blog Series examining the impact of anxiety disorders on church participation and spiritual development in kids. Today, we’ll look at some of the causes of anxiety disorders in children and youth. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Be Not Anxious…What Can Parents Do to Promote Spiritual Growth?

Today, we’ll examine steps parents can take to help promote spiritual growth among children and teens with anxiety disorders.
Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Parents | Leave a comment

How Dads are Impacted When Kids Have Disabilities

Examination of contributing factors to the higher rates of depression seen among men with teen or young adult children with autism may help us better appreciate what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a father of a child with a significant disability. Continue reading

Posted in Autism, Families, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Be Not Anxious…Small Groups, Retreats and Mission Trips

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by looking at several potentially anxiety-inducing experiences…small groups, retreats and mission trips. Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Inclusion, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Be Not Anxious…”Doing Church” With Separation Anxiety or Panic Disorder

Today, we’ll continue our look at challenges church participation poses for children and teens with anxiety disorders by discussing specific situations likely to cause distress for kids with separation anxiety and panic disorder.
Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment