Episode 55: Managing Back to School Anxiety in Kids

Back to school is a common time for kids to experience feelings of anxiety, or excacerbated 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 deficiences, 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.  

This episode is proudly sponsored by my membership, the Natural Super Kids Klub. If you would like to become a member of the Klub to get more helpful resources to help you raise a happy and healthy family click here and pop your name on the waitlist.

If you loved this episode, leave me a review! I would really appreciate it. Also, let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode by sending me a direct message on Instagram @naturalsuperkids or shoot me an email at jessica@naturalsuperkids.com.