STHS Children’s To Host Webinar To Help Parents Understand And Recognize Stress & Anxiety In Kids

For the next installment of its monthly Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar series, a mental health expert will educate parents and caregivers on the common causes, symptoms and treatment for stress and anxiety in children

Stress and anxiety are natural human emotions, a response to challenges and changes, even in children.

In the United States, childhood anxiety is a common mental health disorder, with nearly 1 in 12 children ages 3-17 experiencing anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Meanwhile, the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adolescents 13-18 years of age stands at about 1 in 4, while the incidence of severe anxiety among that same age group is nearly 1 in 17.

Childhood stress and anxiety can manifest in a multitude of ways, including physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches and stomachaches, irritability, restlessness and other changes in behavior and emotional distress, including worry, fear and an increased need for reassurance.

While some stress is normal, excessive or persistent stress and anxiety can significantly impact a child’s well-being and development, especially if left untreated.

“Over time, anxiety in children can lead to various negative consequences, including impaired social and academic functioning, an increased risk of depression and substance use disorders, even suicidal ideation,” says Leticia Sosa, MSSW, LCSW, LCDC-I., KAP, CLYL, EMDR- Therapist, Director of Outpatient Services, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “That’s why early identification and treatment of anxiety are crucial to minimize the long-term negative impacts that can persist into adulthood.”

To help Rio Grande Valley parents understand the impact of stress and anxiety in children, South Texas Health System Children’s will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Children’s Health webinar to the subject.

During the online seminar, parents and caregivers will learn common causes, symptoms and treatment for stress and anxiety in children, as well as coping mechanisms for healthy stress management.

Broadcast live via South Texas Health System Children’s Facebook page on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will help parents and caregivers understand the crucial role they play in helping their kids confront their worries and fears by creating supportive environments, encouraging open communication and more.

For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook Events page. To watch previous Let’s Talk Children’s Health Seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.