18.1% of [the] U.S. adult population1 suffers from anxiety. 22.8% of these cases (e.g., 4.1% of the U.S. adult population) are classified as ”severe”2. National Institute of Mental Health “NIMH". Likewise, according to Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., Psychology Today, there is a “... Rising Epidemic of Anxiety in Children and Teens”, as well. Psychology Today, 1-23-2016. Both the NIMH and Bernstein concur: “The average Age-of-Onset is 11 years old.4. NIMH, “Median age of onset is 11 years old” – Bernstein. Boys tend, also, to try to hide their anxiety more than girls.

With growing statistics and the reality too few have the resources to cope with anxiety how can we, as parents, help our male children learn to relax and find productive outlets to quieting that anxiety? The Boys Town Hotline® offers a solid list of 99 Coping Skills to destress. A review of the list suggests it is not simply for just the young at heart. See: http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/pages/tip-99-coping-skills.aspx. The Boys Town National Hotline® also offers a National Hotline @ 1-800-448-3000 FREE. “Over the past 20 years, the Boys Town National Hotline has helped more than 8 million teens, parents and families. The Boys Town National Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staffed by specially trained Boys Town counselors.” See http://www.boystown.org/locations/nebraska/programs/national-hotline. While anxiety can feel like a lonely proposition. It need not be. If your son is struggling with anxiety or other types of issues reach out and see what happens. It may just be the most productive telephone call you’ve made in ages.

“Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere” – English Proverb.

Article © of Corinne Isaacs-Frontiero 2016