5 Words That Literally Rewire Anxious Young Minds
Briefly

The article emphasizes the importance of addressing childhood anxiety early, advocating for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a proven method for retraining the brain. A 2024 study from the National Institute of Mental Health revealed that after 12 weeks of CBT, children exhibited reduced fear-related brain activity. Parents can complement therapy by using calming language and strategies at home, such as naming worries and encouraging flexible thinking, to enhance emotional regulation and further support their child's mental health journey.
CBT is more than a temporary fix; it's a transformative tool that reshapes how a child's brain processes anxiety and fear, fostering lasting change.
Parents play a critical role in their child's emotional regulation by using techniques that mirror what is taught in therapy settings, contributing to brain rewiring.
After 12 weeks of CBT, brain scans of anxious children show diminished activity in areas linked to fear, indicating real changes in brain function.
Emotional regulation strategies, such as naming worries and reframing thoughts, help children navigate anxious spirals effectively, fostering mental resilience.
Read at Psychology Today
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