Episode 55: Managing Back To School Anxiety In Kids

Back to school is a common time for kids to experience feelings of anxiety, or exacerbated anxiety. Anxiety is a multi-system response to a perceived threat or danger. It can affect any system in the body, which is why symptoms differ between people. The symptoms can vary, but some of the most common include:
- A racing heartbeat, palpitations, sweating, breathlessness, dizziness, excessive worrying, feeling fatigued or weak, dry mouth, digestive disturbances, and disturbances to sleep patterns.
In this episode I discuss:
- Some of the most common causes and risk factors when it comes to anxiety in kids including:
- Genetic factors such as MTHFR gene mutation;
- Trauma;
- Gut health and the links between dysbiosis and anxiety, and the benefits of a balanced microbiome;
- Hormones, especially during puberty & pre-menstrual;
- Nutrient deficiencies, and the importance of Magnesium and B-Vitamins;
- The impact stress plays on anxiety;
- Pyrroles disorder
I also discuss practical tips for addressing anxiety in children including:
- The benefits of a mindfulness practice & the breathing techniques we use personally as a family to manage when my children are anxious;
- The inclusion of nutrient-rich foods;
- Investigations into MTHFR & pyrrole disorder;
- Working with a counsellor or psychologist to assist children
Episode Links:
- If you would like to speak to a practitioner on how to manage your child’s anxiety or to do further testing for MTHFR or pyrroles. You can book an appointment with our team here.
- Blog: How the MTHFR gene can affect your kids’ health.
- Blog: Pyrolle Disorder in Kids – what you need to know.
- Learn the skills to manage your kids’ anxiety with the help of counsellor Emma Holdsworth from Treehouse Counselling. You can check out Emma’s website here.