Back to school Blues?

Last week many Victorian children returned to school, and many made a start with their formal education. It is an exciting and sometimes unsettling time. Some children may be very anxious about the changes in their life.

Anxiety affects many people, both adults and children. In fact, concern that our children are experiencing anxiety is enough to make us anxious ourselves! It can be difficult to know how to support them. Sometimes we may not be sure what is going on.

If your child is letting you know about their worries, that is a really good start. Communication is key. Secondly, the more informed we are, the more empowered we feel. Both in knowing how our child is feeling and how to help them.

So, what exactly is anxiety? It’s a feeling – one that we’ve all experienced at one time or another. It is a normal response to dangerous or stressful situations like car accidents or injuries. Symptoms include a pounding heart and shallow, fast breathing. Your body experiences a surge of adrenaline and glucose floods into your bloodstream. You may perspire as you prepare to deal with what your brain thinks is to come. This is referred to as ‘fight or flight’. Do I stay and face this, or run for the hills?

The ‘fight or flight’ response developed as a survival mechanism in our distant ancestors for whom life threatening situations occurred often. In modern times, it can occur when we are facing things like job interviews or public speaking. These things do not pose a threat to our lives, but our bodies react as if they do. Children experience this too, and something like starting or returning to school can cause it.

So how do we help our kids with their anxiety? Firstly, remaining calm ourselves models this for our kids and reassures them that things are not too bad. Secondly, teaching our kids about anxiety may help them recognise their physical reaction for what it is so they don’t become even more anxious about what is happening in their bodies. Third, a simple way to deal with anxiety in the moment is to encourage your kids to take deliberate, slower breaths (in for 4, hold for2, out for 5). Lastly, if anxiety is ongoing. it may be worth speaking to your GP or a psychologist for help.

If you would like to book in for some extra support, feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.