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ANXIETY
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
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PCOM Downloadable Parent Toolkit Includes:
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What is anxiety in teens?
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Symptoms
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Is my teen anxious
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When to be concerned about your teen's anxiety
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Communication and Support Strategies
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Resources
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We hope you find this toolkit helpful in understanding and managing these mental health issues that could affect your young soccer player.
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Note: Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problem or disease; anyone seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed professional.
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Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety: A Soccer Parent's Guide
Hello, soccer parents! The team at PCOM is here to help you. We would like to help you understand a common emotion that many young athletes, including your soccer star, may experience anxiety. Let's relate it to a scene on the soccer field.
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Picture this:
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It's the last few moments of a tied match. The ball rolls towards your child. The goal is open, and this is their moment to shine. As they get ready to take the shot, a multitude of thoughts could be racing through their mind:
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“What if I don’t make it?”
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“I don’t want to disappoint my team.”
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“Everyone is watching me.”
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“I've never been in such a crucial spot before.”
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Their heartbeat quickens, hands might tremble, and just a moment's hesitation results in the ball being taken away by an opponent.
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That overwhelming rush of thoughts and sensations? That's anxiety.
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WHAT IS ANXIETY?
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Anxiety is a natural response we all feel when facing perceived threats or challenges. Think of it as our body's built-in alarm system. This "fight or flight" reaction once helped our ancestors respond to dangers. Now, it might be triggered by a big presentation, a new social setting, or for your child, that pivotal moment in a soccer game.
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How Can Anxiety Impact MY CHILD as a Soccer Player?
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Performance Pressure: Anxiety can make players doubt their capabilities, which might lead to hesitation or mistakes on the field.
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Physical Reactions: Rapid breathing, a racing heart, or shaky hands can result from anxiety, which aren’t helpful for maintaining control on the soccer pitch.
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Mental Drains: Persistent worrying can wear them out mentally, making it tougher to concentrate on the game.
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How Can Anxiety Impact MY CHILD off the field?
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Avoiding New Experiences: They might shy away from new situations that make them anxious, like joining a new club or attending group events.
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Challenges in School: Anxiety can be distracting, making classroom focus harder.
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Feelings of Loneliness: Anxious feelings might make them think they're alone in their struggles.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO AS A PARENT?
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Understanding is the first step. Recognize that anxiety is a natural emotion and that with the right support and tools, it's manageable. Encourage open conversations, practice deep-breathing exercises together, or introduce them to visualization techniques. Celebrate their small victories, both on and off the field, and remind them that everyone, even professional athletes, faces challenges.
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Your unwavering support and understanding can make a world of difference for your young soccer star. Together, you can tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Cheer them on, be there for them, and always remind them of the love and support they have behind them.
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