October 10, 2024
Child anxiety relief: Therapy gets a digital boost
Shiloh Sevin’s well-being improves thanks to her psychologist and the Calm app.
Now that her anxiety has improved, Shiloh Sevin has more time for one of her favorite pastimes: cheer.
When Shiloh Sevin was 9 years old, she started having panic attacks while at sleepovers with friends.
Her parents had divorced when she was younger, and the stress became overwhelming.
She had trouble breathing during school and found herself constantly fidgeting. Soon, her symptoms began occurring daily.
Sevin often needed to take breaks from her 4th grade class to visit the nurse’s office.
Mental health and wellness support
Sevin’s mother, Hope Sanders, sought therapy for her daughter.
Sevin began sessions with Alana K. Miller-Clayton, PhD, a psychologist for Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta.
Miller-Clayton taught Sevin breathing exercises and stress management techniques, and introduced her to the Calm app.
Digital app an ‘extension of therapy’
Calm is a sleep and meditation app that can lower stress and anxiety.
“The app can be an extension of therapy,” Miller-Clayton said. “The Calm app, along with therapy, can provide kids support and structure when practicing their coping skills, allowing them to feel more comfortable.”
The app is available to Kaiser Permanente members at no extra cost. Members 13 and older can download and use it on their own. Younger members may use it under the supervision of a clinician. Sanders accessed the Calm app through kp.org and started using it with her daughter.
The sleep stories and calming techniques within the Calm Kids section helped Sevin manage her anxious feelings. She used the short meditation exercises when she felt overwhelmed. And she said using the app helped her deal with her parents’ divorce and social interactions at school.
“The Calm app has different types of exercises,” Sevin said. “They are easy to click through. They helped me get back into breathing. Even if I wasn’t having an anxiety attack, it helped me fall asleep. The sleep and meditation exercises calmed me down.”
Sanders said she was happy her daughter benefited from Miller-Clayton’s guidance and the Calm app.
“Having her talk to somebody unbiased about what she’s feeling has been really good, and being able to stay with the same therapist for all this time has been amazing,” Sanders said.
The Calm app, along with therapy, can provide kids support and structure when practicing their coping skills, allowing them to feel more comfortable. Alana K. Miller-Clayton, PhD
Feeling like herself again
With therapy and the Calm app, Sevin’s mental health and wellness improved.
At 12 years old and in 7th grade, her anxiety and stress symptoms lessened. She no longer uses the stress management techniques she learned every day. But they still come in handy in stressful situations and when she has trouble sleeping.
“I used to use the app daily to calm down. Now, I don’t think about it unless I can’t sleep or I need help with deep breathing,” Sevin said.
Sanders mentioned that learning to cope with stress has allowed Sevin to get back to being herself. She’s a smart and responsible girl who loves to cheer and help at home with her younger brother.
Sevin still sees Miller-Clayton for continued support.
“I hope other therapists recommend the Calm app,” Sanders said. “It’s a great tool.”
Learn more about youth mental health and self-care apps for your everyday life.
