Anxiety in children

It's normal for kids to feel anxious or worried sometimes, but it can be tough to know when it's too much. Anxiety can show up in many different ways, which can be confusing for parents. If your child's worries or fears start getting in the way of everyday life, like going to school or hanging out with friends, it might be a good idea to get some extra support.

6.9% of children & adolescents aged 4-17 years experience an anxiety disorder

— Australian Government's Department of Health*

Anxiety in kids

Childhood anxiety is a growing concern, with anxiety disorders among the most common mental health conditions in children and adolescents.

Kate’s clinical practice is dedicated to addressing childhood anxiety in a holistic and compassionate manner with a collaborative approach that includes your wider health team of psychologists, paediatricians and GPs.

For parents seeking natural remedies for anxiety, Kate offers guidance and support, exploring options such as herbal anxiety medication and supplements tailored to the unique needs of young children, teenagers, and those grappling with ADHD, separation anxiety, OCD, or social anxiety.

Kate prioritises a gentle, natural approach to help you learn how to treat anxiety in a child naturally, ensuring their emotional well-being and long-term resilience. If you're wondering, "Can a naturopath help with anxiety?" – the answer is yes. Book a Free Health Check appointment to discuss how to work with Kate.

Common symptoms

  • Persistent worry, particularly about everyday events

  • Wanting to avoid everyday situations that they are worried about such as school (school refusal), socialising, sports, sleeping

  • Frequent complaints of physical symptoms such as headaches or tummy aches that aren’t better explained but other medical causes.

  • Difficulty sleeping, falling asleep, staying asleep or vivid nightmares

  • Separation difficulties

  • Needing reassurance often

  • Overplanning and overthinking things

  • Mood swings, heightened irritability, or emotional outbursts, particularly in response to anxiety triggers

  • Wanting things to be perfect and feeling upset if it isnt

Common causes and risk factors

Understanding the triggers and underlying causes of childhood anxiety is essential for effective support and long-term resolution:

  1. Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, can play a role in anxiety development. These chemical messengers in the brain influence mood and emotional regulation, and where there is an imbalance it can lead to persistent symptoms.

  2. Genetic Predisposition: A family history of anxiety or related mental health conditions may increase a child's vulnerability to anxiety. Genetic factors can influence how the brain responds to stress and anxiety triggers, making some children more susceptible than others

  3. Gut health: Emerging research suggests a strong connection between gut health and mental well-being. The gut-brain axis is a complex network, and disturbances in the gut microbiome can contribute to anxiety symptoms in children. Addressing gut health through dietary changes and supplements can be a crucial aspect of anxiety treatment.

  4. Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, can impact a child's emotional state and contribute to anxiety. Understanding these hormonal shifts and their effects on mood is essential in providing effective support.

  5. Nutritional imbalances: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in mental health, and deficiencies in essential nutrients can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Ensuring a balanced diet with the right nutrients is vital for a child's overall well-being.

  6. Environmental Factors: Stressful home, school, or social environments can contribute to anxiety in children.

  7. Traumatic Experiences: Exposure to traumatic events or significant life changes can trigger anxiety symptoms in children. Sensitivity to trauma and its effects on mental health requires a nuanced approach to treatment and support from a collaborative team.

  8. Transitions: Major life transitions, such as starting school or moving to a new location, can be anxiety-inducing for children.

  9. Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, can play a role in anxiety development.

Naturopathic approach

Kate’s experience working with children with anxiety takes a holistic and child-centred approach. This involves:

  • Individualised care: Each child is unique and what causes or exacerbates their anxiety is just as unique. There is no one size fits all. Kate will take into consideration the child’s physical, emotional and environmental factors when developing a treatment plan.

  • Root cause identification: Rather than merely managing symptoms, Kate looks to address the root cause of what is going on for your child, such as replenishing nutritional deficiencies or supporting genetic variations.

  • Natural therapies: Utilising natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, dietary changes and nutritional supplements to support your child’s nervous system and well being, and restoring deficiencies that can contribute to feelings of anxiety.

  • Lifestyle suggestions: Recommending lifestyle changes, including stress management techniques, mindfulness, and physical activity, to reduce anxiety.

  • Nutrition: Focusing on a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to support brain health and emotional stability.

By addressing these aspects comprehensively, Kate aims to not only alleviate feelings of anxiety, but also enhance each the child's overall health and well-being as they grow.

If your child is experiencing anxiety, consider booking a Free Health Chat to discuss what’s going on and whether naturopathic support can help.

Additional resources

  1. The Brave Program - an online, interactive program for 3-17 year-olds, to help kids learn coping strategies and overcome worries.

  2. Smiling Minds Kids Care Package - downloadable PDF’s and an app developed by psychologists to develop mindfulness in all age groups.

  3. Cool Kids Anxiety Program - An interactive online program aimed at helping 7-17 year olds overcome anxiety and build confidence.

  4. Headspace - National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention services for 12-25 year olds.

  5. Kids Helpline - for free and confidential service providing information on anxiety, and on-call support at 1800 55 1800 or via webchat 24 hours a day.

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References:

  1. Australian Institue of Health and Welfare (2022) Children with Mental Illness Link

  2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020). National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results. Link

  3. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2019). Anxiety at a Glance. Link

Hi, I’m Kate

I’m a degree-qualified naturopath with a passion [or maybe obsession] for anything related to the brain: how it works, why things go wrong, and what we can do to support it.

I work with kids, from toddlers to adolescents, supporting conditions such as anxiety, PANS & PANDAS, OCD, ADHD, behavioural issues, sleep difficulties and conditions of the gut-brain axis.

I love research and science, and I want to understand deeply the how and the why of the ways our bodies work, but also respect and incorporate traditional naturopathic knowledge such as herbal medicine and functional testing when appropriate.

Outside my clinic time, I am busy being a mother to two children and two dogs, living and playing on Wurundjeri land in North Warrandyte.