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, excess 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 Naturopath 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.