Separation Anxiety in Children – useful articles and suggestions

Natural ways to decrease anxiety

Being aware of what triggers your child’s anxiety is a good first step. Common triggers include poor diet – loaded with processed foods; a lack of sleep; highly social situations and a change in routine. Anticipating these potential anxious situations can help you to come up with alternative ways to decrease anxiety. Obviously, reducing a child’s sugar intake and increase the consumption of fresh (organic) fruits and vegetables will be most helpful!

Home remedies to benefit

Lavender oil – in bath in evening and on pillow to ensure sound sleep

On a hanky/favourite soft toy to take to school and on pulse points behind ears

Bach Flower Remedies – particularly Rescue Remedy works well with children. More info here http://www.bachflower4kids.com/

Supplements recommended

1.  Magnesium

There are several studies over the last 10 years that have linked Magnesium deficiencies with anxiety as well as the reduction of anxiety after taking Magnesium supplements. Increasing Magnesium in your child’s diet is relatively easy. Foods high in Magnesium include rice, wheat and oats but unfortunately, when these foods are processed they lose much of their Magnesium content. Some seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, flax and sesame are high in Magnesium and can be added to children’s food or as a snack. For more information on Magnesium supplements for children read this article from About Kids Health.

2.  Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown in countless studies to have tremendous health benefits as well as mental health benefits. Multiple studies have shown that a deficiency in Omega 3’s have been linked to depression, anxiety and ADHD.

When choosing an Omega 3 supplement for your child make sure it contains EPA and DHA (vitamin D aids in the absorption of fatty acids, so look for a supplement with added D for an extra boost). Vegetarians can take an algae form of Omega 3.

3.  B vitamin Complex

Vitamin B Complex deficiencies have been well studied and linked to problems with the nervous system including anxiety. While the research has not focused on children, it is generally safe to increase B vitamins in your child’s diet or the addition of a vitamin supplement to help decrease anxious symptoms.

Food sources of B complex include:

• Pork, berries, legumes, lean meats. Nuts, soy milk ( Vitamin B1)
  • Eggs, dark green vegetables, fish, grains, lean meat, mushrooms ( B2)
  • Sunflower seeds, tuna, poultry, potato, cottage cheese, liver (B3)
  • Organ meats, avocados, broccoli, mushrooms ( B5)
  • Green beans, whole grains, spinach, fish, bananas ( B6)
  • Soy products, egg yolks, fish, organ meats, cheese, sweet potatoes ( B7)
  • Green leafy vegetables, citrus juice, legumes, tofu, tomato juice ( B9)
  • Milk, fish, fortified breakfast cereal, eggs, shellfish ( B12)

Another interesting article on food and supplements!

http://anxietyfreechild.com/feed-them-calm-two/

Homeopathy

There is a specific remedy Anxiovita – This homeopathic complex remedy combines powerful individual homeopathic formulas into one that is helpful in all cases of anxiety and nervous tension. It can help immediately in panic attacks and other acute states of anxiety or to prevent anxiety before exposure to stress such as examinations, speeches and social gatherings.

http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/bha-charity/how-we-can-help/articles/starting-school/

I would speak to Debbie Greenslade info@buryhomeopaths.co.uk who could do a phone consultation and prescribe a specific remedy.

Breathing and Relaxation

Can you find a children’s yoga class or ask the school to organise a teacher to come in?

In the meantime at home – play this music before bed to encourage deep relaxed breathing

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/om-ahh-hum/id273554553?i=273554872