01 Dec Natural Ways to Help Children With Anxiety
3 min. readFor many years, people believed that anxiety was a problem that only impacted stressed and over-worked adults. However, medical professionals are finding that anxiety is very prevalent among children, teens, and young adults. This can be understandably concerning for parents.
A growing number of children, including those as young as six are reporting feelings of anxiety, and it can be extremely difficult and overwhelming for children to handle these feelings, especially if they don’t have the right tools to do so.
However, an anxiety diagnosis doesn’t mean your child has to immediately start therapy and prescription medications. There are other options for parents. As we all start to understand the severe impact that anxiety can have on children, it is more important than ever to learn about some of the natural ways to help young people with anxiety.
Make Sure They Have A Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle
A healthy, balanced lifestyle is one of the best ways to set your child up for success with their physical and mental health. Children should also have healthy, balanced meals and avoid stimulating drinks like power drinks or sodas. Processed foods should be avoided at all costs as well.
Kids should also have at least one hour of play per day, preferably with other children if possible. Healthy, positive social interactions are a great way to help your child combat anxiety.
Getting at least one hour of exercise per day can also help with stress management and releasing endorphins to make anxiety more manageable.
Create a Set Schedule for Your Kids
Children should have a set routine and shouldn’t be too busy or overbooked. Many children find their anxiety comes from the unknown and from feeling overwhelmed. A set schedule is a great way to combat this. Of course, for growing kids, sleep should be a big part of that schedule. Kids should go to bed and get up at the same time every day and be getting between 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
As part of a healthy bedtime routine, make sure they turn off all electronics at least two hours before bedtime.
Encourage Health Stress Management
Healthy stress management techniques are essential for kids who deal with anxiety. It can not only help them feel calmer in the moment, but it can also give kids the tools that they need in the future to combat bouts of anxiety.
Breathing techniques, guided visualizations, meditation, and music therapy are all great methods that even young children can try. It is also important for the whole family to work on their stress management, as kids tend to pick up on other people’s energy and maybe mirror their parent’s feelings of stress or anxiety.
Give Supplements a Try
In addition to a healthy diet, some children benefit from additional supplements. This includes probiotics and Omega 3 fatty acids. Certain herms like chamomile can help as well. Before starting a new vitamin or supplement regimen, make sure to consult your doctor.
Of course, if you have more serious concerns about your child’s mental health or feel as though their anxiety is out of control and severely impacting their quality of life, then it may be time to see a doctor. If you have questions call to make an appointment with us here at Continuum Pediatrics at 817-617-8600. We are here to help your child get the care that they need.