Anxiety is a feeling of fear or worry that can be caused by a combination of factors ranging from genetics to environment to brain chemistry.
Anxiety can be treated in several ways. One common treatment option is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There are also some medications that balance brain chemistry and prevent anxiety attacks.
If you’re looking to go a more natural route, consider some natural remedies to effectively overcome anxiety. Let's explore the benefits of natural remedies for anxiety.
 |
| The Natural Way To Beat Anxiety |
How to Calm Anxiety: Natural Remedies for Children and Teens
Anxiety disorders can affect children and adults, and women are more likely to suffer from anxiety than men.
Experiencing some level of anxiety is normal for kids at any age. However, if your child’s anxiety is so persistent and intense that it hinders their ability to function, it’s time to take action.
Effective anxiety management involves a multi-layered approach aimed at building healthy habits, making positive lifestyle changes, reducing symptoms and developing coping mechanisms. Medication can play an important role, but after hearing about Adderall side effects and negative aspects of other commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals, many parents are reluctant to go this route. Using a non-prescription, homeopathic medicine as an alternative, along with other natural remedies, can give your child some much-needed relief from anxiety.
Read Here: Stress and Anxiety in Older Adults: Risks and Solutions
Understanding Childhood Anxiety
Children who struggle with anxiety have more than just a bad case of worries. They endure fear and discomfort to such a degree that it interferes with daily activities.
Many stressors can trigger anxiety, including peer pressure, school demands and family dynamics. Some children are predisposed to anxiety. Others may develop it due to traumatic life events. Creating a safe and supportive environment encourages open communication between you and your child so you can identify stressors and determine the best way to help.
Read Here: Stress, Depression and Anxiety in Students
Managing Symptoms
Anxiety in children manifests in various ways. Common signs are:
- Fidgeting
- Irritability
- Disrupted sleep
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical symptoms like stomachaches and headaches
As many of these symptoms overlap with behaviors observed in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the best over the counter meds for ADHD child can also be effective in reducing anxiety.
Other natural remedies for overcoming anxiety complement the use of homeopathic medicine. A healthy diet comprised of nutrient-rich foods promotes overall well-being and helps to regulate mood. Exercise is another mood-lifter that also reduces feelings of anxiety by distracting your child from negative thoughts.
Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and belly breathing, offer simple ways to calm down. Talking, whether with you or a licensed therapist, can help your child identify, process and healthily express feelings.
Monitoring Progress
Ongoing assessments and open communication with teachers and mental health professionals enable you to keep a pulse on your child’s emotional well-being. Observe your child. Note any changes in sleep or eating patterns, academic performance or peer relationships. These will give you clues about your child’s mental health state.
Regular check-ins are another good strategy to gauge how your child is feeling. Ask your child to name and rate their feelings. Use their responses to address concerns. Remind them of the tools they can use to manage anxiety.
Nurturing Your Mental Health
Raising a child with anxiety is challenging and can take a toll on your mental health. To best support your child, you have to tend to your emotional well-being. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and practice self-care. You may also opt for an over the counter medicine for ADHD in adults to alleviate your anxiety symptoms.
The earlier you address your child’s anxiety, the better. The strategies they will learn will build resilience and confidence, enabling them to overcome challenges throughout childhood and beyond. Consult a healthcare provider to see how a medication without harsh chemicals may fit into a holistic plan to help your child manage anxiety.
Read Also: Relationship Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities