It’s 2 am, and your child is awake again, crying inconsolably. Or maybe they’re refusing to go to school for the 10th day in a row, complaining of a stomachache. As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety is heartbreaking. You feel helpless, frustrated, and desperate for answers.
If this scenario feels all too familiar, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in children today, affecting nearly 1 in 12 children and 1 in 4 teens. Left untreated, childhood anxiety can interfere with social development, academic performance, and family life. It can also set the stage for a lifetime of emotional challenges.
Fortunately, there’s good news. At PX Docs, we understand the root causes of anxiety and have helped countless children break free from its grip. Our approach goes beyond just managing symptoms. We focus on restoring healthy nervous system function to create lasting change.
In this article, you’ll learn how to spot the signs of anxiety, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and how to treat anxiety in a child naturally.
Understanding Anxiety in Children Under 10
Anxiety in children can manifest in a variety of ways, some more obvious than others, depending on whether they have low or high-functioning anxiety.
Common physical symptoms include:
- Stomachaches, headaches, or other persistent pains
- Rapid heartbeat or breathing
- Sweating, trembling, or feeling shaky
- Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
You might also notice emotional and behavioral changes, such as:
- Excessive worrying or rumination
- Irritability, tearfulness, or angry outbursts
- Avoidance of certain situations or activities
- Seeking constant reassurance
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
In school, anxious children may have trouble participating in class, struggle with assignments, or experience a decline in grades. They might also have difficulty making friends or engaging in social situations.
“The Perfect Storm” of Contributing Factors
So, what causes some children to develop anxiety while others seem to navigate life’s challenges with ease? At PX Docs, we’ve identified a combination of factors, which we refer to as “The Perfect Storm,” that can set the stage for anxiety and other neurodevelopmental issues.
It often starts before a child is even born. Maternal stress during pregnancy exposes the developing fetus to high levels of cortisol, which can alter brain development and prime the nervous system for hypersensitivity. Birth interventions like C-sections, forceps, or vacuum extractions can also cause physical trauma and stress to the infant’s developing nervous system.
As children grow, early life experiences continue to shape their neurological development. Chronic stressors such as family conflict, poverty, or abuse can further dysregulate the nervous system. Even seemingly minor things like falls, injuries, or antibiotic use can contribute to “The Perfect Storm” by creating subluxations (misalignments) in vital communication pathways and interfering with healthy nerve function.
The PX Docs Root-Based Approach to Helping Kids With Anxiety
Rather than just treating the symptoms, neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractors focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes. Our experience has shown that, in many cases, anxiety stems from disruptions in the nervous system that can be traced back to subluxations, dysautonomia, and vagus nerve dysfunction.
Subluxations are misalignments that pressure the delicate nerves that control your child’s bodily functions. These misalignments can disrupt communication between the brain and the autonomic nervous system, leading to a chronic state of fight-or-flight.
Dysautonomia, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, occurs when the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches become out of balance. This can happen as a result of subluxations, birth trauma, or other stressors that impact the nervous system during critical developmental periods.
The vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem to the abdomen, is crucial in regulating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response. When this nerve is not functioning properly due to subluxations or other factors, it can be difficult for children to calm down and manage their anxiety effectively.
The Power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
At PX Docs, we specialize in Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. This precise approach involves identifying areas of subluxation and nervous system dysfunction through advanced diagnostic testing, including:
- Digital infrared thermography to assess autonomic function
- Heart rate variability analysis to measure stress resilience
- Posture and gait analysis to identify musculoskeletal imbalances
Once we have a clear picture of your child’s unique needs, we develop a personalized care plan that may include:
- Specific chiropractic adjustments to correct subluxations and restore nervous system regulation
- Neuro-developmental exercises to promote balance and coordination
- Nutritional and lifestyle recommendations to support overall health and resilience
By addressing the root causes of anxiety, rather than just treating the symptoms like many child and adolescent psychiatry offices do, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a safe, effective, and drug-free way to help your child find lasting relief.
Strategies for Parents Helping Kids With Anxiety
Managing anxiety in children can be challenging for parents. Fortunately, several strategies can help encourage your child and support their mental health.
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate the challenges of anxiety. One of the most important things you can do is create a supportive, understanding home environment where your child feels safe and heard.
Encourage Open Communication
Start by validating your child’s feelings and experiences. Let them know that it’s okay to feel anxious sometimes and that you support them no matter what. Encourage open communication by asking open-ended questions, actively listening without judgment, and offering comfort when needed.
Establish Routines
Establishing predictable routines and structure at home can also help reduce anxiety by providing stability and security. This might include regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and family activities your child can count on.
Teaching Coping Mechanisms and Life Skills
In addition to providing emotional support, you can help your child develop practical coping mechanisms and life skills to manage their anxiety more effectively. Some simple techniques include:
- Deep breathing exercises: Teach your child to take slow, deep breaths from their diaphragm when anxious or overwhelmed.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: To promote a sense of calm, guide your child through tensing and relaxing different muscle groups.
- Positive self-talk: Help your child identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more realistic, empowering statements.
- Visualization: Encourage your child to imagine a peaceful, safe place in their mind when they feel anxious.
As your child becomes more comfortable with these techniques, you can gradually encourage them to face their fears and take small steps outside their comfort zone. Celebrate their efforts and progress, and remind them that setbacks are a normal part of the journey.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of healthy lifestyle habits in managing anxiety. Encourage your child to:
- Engage in regular physical activity or exercise, which can help reduce stress and boost mood
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, and limit sugary or processed snacks
- Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day
- Get enough quality sleep each night, aiming for 9-12 hours for school-aged children
You can also model these healthy habits and make them a fun, family affair. Go for bike rides or hikes together, prepare nutritious meals as a team, and prioritize wind-down time before bed.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some anxiety is normal and expected in childhood, there are times when it may be necessary to seek an anxiety test from a health professional. According to the CDC, these are some signs of anxiety in children under 10 to watch for:
- Persistent, severe anxiety that interferes with daily functioning at home or school
- Separation anxiety when away from one’s parents
- Avoidance of activities, social situations, or school due to anxiety
- Frequent physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches, with no apparent medical cause
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or other sleep disturbances related to anxiety
- Co-occurring mental health concerns, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder
If you notice any of these signs or feel that your child’s anxiety is not improving despite your best efforts at home, it may be time to consult with a professional.
The Benefits of Working with a PX Docs Provider
If there’s one thing we hope you take away from this article, it’s that there is hope for children struggling with anxiety. You can make a profound difference in your child’s life by understanding the underlying causes, taking a holistic approach to care, and implementing practical strategies at home and school.
At PX Docs, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our neurologically-focused approach to chiropractic care addresses the root causes of anxiety and helps restore balanced nervous system function, laying the foundation for optimal health and well-being.
If you suspect that your child may be struggling with anxiety, we encourage you to reach out to a PX Docs provider near you. Together, we can help your child break free from the burden of anxiety and experience the joy, confidence, and resilience they deserve.
