Growing Kids the Natural Way - Anxiety
By Christine Dennis
Anxiety is a normal response to stress. In a healthy individual, the “fight or flight” stress response is provoked by
an actual threat or challenge and is used as a prompt for proper action. It is part of a normal “alarm system”
alerting an individual to danger. However, anxiety can become an excessive and exaggerated nervousness and
worrying about everyday life which often is unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation and may interfere with
the functioning of daily activities such as school, social activities and relationships. In more intense anxiety, the
individual may become paralyzed into immobilization or withdrawal.
Anxiety is a term that has come to be used to describe a whole range of symptoms and disorders, in various
degrees, from generalized anxiety (low grade intensity) to panic disorders (quite intense).Generalized anxiety,
phobias, obsessive compulsiveness as well as separation anxiety are often first diagnosed in childhood whilst
others types of anxiety disorders including social anxiety and post traumatic stress disorders are often diagnosed
during the teen or later years.
Mild to severe anxiety affects 12% of Canadians. The majority of people affected are females between the ages of
15 and 19 yrs as well as individuals over the age of 65. It has been argued that these differences may just be
reflective in the differences in the care-seeking behaviours between men and women, rather than true differences in
the prevalence of anxiety. With regards to children, between 1987 and 1999, among girls under 15 years of age,
there was a 52% increase in hospitalization rates. For boys under the age of 15 years, rates increased by 49%.
However, these numbers may be low due to many people not seeking help as their symptoms may be perceived as
normal or are too mild for treatment, Additionally, most anxiety disorders are treated outside of hospitals,
suggesting the hospitalization data provide a very limited picture of these disorders. In short, anxiety is on the rise
and children are not immune.
Children and adolescents are often not able to identify and describe their anxiousness rather they feel physically
“not good” or may display behavioural problems such as “acting up.”
Causes
Although there are some generally accepted “truths” as to what causes anxiety in many individuals, there are also
some unspoken or talked about causes that are likely at the root of the many “truths.” In Traditional Chinese
Medicine “Shen” refers to the “Spirit,” which is the mental-emotional-spiritual aspect of ourselves that resides in
our heart. Virtues such as love, compassion, trust, honesty, and thankfulness, to name a few, nourish Shen. In a
spiritually deficient, morally challenged and materialistic society, “Shen” is not being nourished as it needs to be.
Consequently, Shen disturbances often result in ailments that affect both our hearts and our mental health. It should
come as no surprise then that heart disease and mental illnesses are large concerns in our society.
Additionally, there is a global awakening causing a change in the world consciousness. Many people are feeling
this new consciousness which is filled with concern for our plant and man kind. Talk of global warming, pollution
and our health, the oil crisis, war, the fragility of our social systems – healthcare, old age pension, and education
systems, has given us more than enough to stew, worry and feel anxious over. It is not uncommon for people to
speak of a sense of unexplained “urgency.’
Family Factors
 Family dynamics and psychological influences - For example, if mom or dad shows an anxiety towards an
object or situation, children tend to share these same anxieties. Some studies have revealed that girls have a
greater tendency than boys. Parental behaviour and practices are influencing factors.
 Genetics
Physical Factors
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Brain chemistry – An imbalance in various hormones and neurotransmitters. However, these chemical
imbalances can occur from stress. Unfortunately, often a “chemical imbalance” is an excuse given as a
reason for “unexplained” anxiety thus relieving personal and others responsibly. So one needs to ask, what
came first, other risk/aggravating factors or the chemical imbalance?
Hormonal factors – hormone imbalances and changes during menstrual cycle
Illness – personal health concern as well as being a symptom of another health problem such as a nutritional
deficiency, endocrine imbalances, and exhaustion.
Stress - this is a huge factor and can be the final push over the edge in one’s tolerance and coping abilities.
Drug side effects
Environmental Factors
 Learned response -when the body’s “fight or flight” response goes off for no apparent reason, anxiety can
be caused from a learned response, such as from an initial experience or unconscious memory, which then
reinforces the fear. The cells in ours bodies have a memory. As a result, when a particular situation or
object arises, anxiety can as well.
 Cultural expectations/pressures – the general media and advertising is just simply not healthy for anyone
making it impossible to live up to the “standards” created.
 Alienation, inferiority, or lack of social connection – quite simply, kids (and adults!) can be mean.
Moreover, this sense that a child may be feeling does not have to be real. Just the sense that it is true is
enough to affect them.
 A sense of a threatening environment – such as flying, riding in a car or thunderstorms.
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made through case history assessment as there is no laboratory or other diagnostic test for anxiety.
Intensity and duration of symptoms are often used as markers as well as the effect they have on performing daily
activities. A referral to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professionals may be necessary.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the degree of the anxiety disorder. Often in the more intense disorders,
another type of anxiety disorder, mild or severe depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or a personality disorder
may be present.
General Anxiety Disorder:
 lacking self confidence
 nausea
 overly perfectionist
 excessive, ongoing worry and tension
 an unrealistic view of problems
 restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
 irritability
 muscle tension
 headaches
 sweating
 difficulty concentrating
 gastrointestinal upset
 fatigue
 sleep disturbances - trouble falling or staying asleep
 frequently urination
 trembling

being easily startled
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety:
 extreme distress in anticipation of or being away from home or separated from a parent
 refusal to sleep away from home
 headaches and/or stomach-aches when confronted with separation from a parent
Symptoms of a Phobia:
 Social phobia
o fear of being humiliated in front of others or in public
o may lead to generalize anxiety symptoms or panic attack symptoms
 Specific phobias
o excessive fear or worry over a particular situations or objects such as open spaces, flying or spiders
o may lead to generalize anxiety symptoms or panic attack symptoms
Symptoms of an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
 recurrent or persistent mental images, thoughts, or ideas
 repetitive, rigid, and self-prescribed routines
 may be mistaken for behavioural problems such as taking too long to do homework due to perfectionism or
refusing to do something due to fear of germs
Symptoms of a Panic Attack:
 intense fear or discomfort
 rapid heart beat
 sweating
 shakiness
 dry mouth
 shortness of breath
 a choking feeling or a smothered feeling
 dizziness/fainting
 upset stomach/diarrhoea
 nausea
 feelings of unreality
 numbness/ detachment from surroundings
 either hot flashes or chills
 chest pain
 a fear of dying, loosing control or going insane
NOTE: Illnesses such as Diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders can mimic anxiety and panic attacks. Be sure to
consult a health professional to rule out these potentially very serious illnesses.
A few possible predictors of anxiety disorders:
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depression
lacking self confidence
drug or alcohol abuse in teens
sleep disturbances
dreading school or other social functions
Additionally, a child’s personality can be a predictor such as intolerance to uncertainty, a worrier, and/or an
extremely shy child. These characteristics can also make a child be the target of bullies, physical or sexual abuse,
thus leading to anxiety.
Aggravating Factors
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Disturbed Shen
Stress – school work load and dynamics, family tension, personal illness or of a family member
Nutritional deficiencies
Over stimulation
Lack of exercise and down time
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Dietary Recommendations:
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Rule out any potential food sensitivities as these can aggravate the body and put one on “edge”.
Eliminate stimulating foods such as foods that contain caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and chocolate), high sugar
content foods, simple carbohydrates, refined and nutrient lacking foods.
Foods than nourish and support proper nerve function – foods high in B vitamins, essential fatty acids and
minerals.
Herbal Recommendations:
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
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High nutrient teas such as nettles (Urtica dioica), oat straw (Avena sativa) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Bach Flower Remedy – Rescue Remedy – a first drops under the tongue as needed or in a glass of water
Herbal teas to calm and relax –
o Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
o lemon balm (Melissa off.)
o lavender (Lavendula off.)

o catnip (Nepeta cataria)
o linden flower (Tillia sp.)
Anti-anxiety teas and/or tincture
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Prayer, mediation, laughter and other Shen nourishing activities is extremely important
Learn to relax and calm oneself – use deep breathing, biofeedback and other relaxation techniques
Cognitive-behavioural therapy – helps an individual learn to recognize and change thought patterns and
behaviours that can lead to anxiety. It can help reduce distorted thinking thus a more realistic look at
concerns.
Exercise helps to reduce the stress response
Teaching teens to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and other mind altering agents – they may seem to help initially
but are not solving the problem and can lead to different problems down the road as well as addiction.
Plenty of rest
Get outside in nature and breath fresh air to aid in relaxation
Avoid overly stimulating activities such as television, the computer and video games. Relaxing and calming
the mind and body is important.
Confront past anxieties – this can be done on their own terms with the aim to desensitize a fear. If a child
has a fear of baths, talk about having a bath a head of time then have them help run the bath water and pick
out nice oil to use. Another way is to have Mom have a bath and have the child watch whilst discussing and
answering any questions, thus reducing the concerns.
Take it slow and do not push a child. Offer up lots of hugs, kisses, loving care and support. Anxiety is not
something the child is doing on purpose to aggravate a parent. As difficult and frustrating as it may be to
witness “silly” anxieties, consider how the child must feel!
Realize that your child/teen can unconsciously and sometime consciously feel your anxiety and concerns.
Be aware that parents may need help themselves for the sake of the child as well. Be a good role model.
Prevention of anxiety:

Help, teach and talk to your child about nourishing their Shen.
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Talk to your child/teen. Keep an open and honest relationship going both ways early on with your child.
This will help when your child gets older and when difficult periods and experiences occur. The sense of
feeling supported and trusted by a parent is extremely important. Do not be afraid to admit when you are
wrong.
Give unconditional love. Let your child/teen know that you love them regardless of what happens, what
they may do or how you may be reacting to a situation.
Do not label your child with negative language and harsh terms. Eventually, if told enough, a child can
believe what they are told about themselves. For example, if you tell your child that they are “worthless”,
“useless” and “no good for nothing”, eventually they too will believe this thus damaging their sense of self
and their self confidence. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a high sense of self confidence
and self esteem. Encourage rather than discourage.
In times of upheaval, try to maintain a safe and secure environment as much as possible. Let them
know you love them that you are there for them. If you are not able to “be there” for them physically or
emotionally, find a close family member or friend who can “be there” to help explain and offer support. Let
the child know it is not the child’s fault and that they are not the problem.
Seek counselling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
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Bibliography:
Bartram T. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Grace Pub. Dorset. 1995.
Merck Manual. 16th ed.
Schiff D. & Shelov S. Guide to Your Child’s Symptoms. Villard, NY. 1997.
Romm A. Naturally Healthy Babies and Children. Storey Books, Vermont. 2000.
Scott J. Natural Medicine for Children. Avon Books, NY. 1990.
Teirra M & Tierra L. Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine. Lotus Press, Twin Lake, WI. 1998.
Zand J, Walton R & Rountree B. Smart Medicine For a Healthier Child. Avery Publishing Group, NY. 1994.
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_4_e.html
http://www.cmha.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-94
http://www.canmat.org/