A new school year can be very exciting, but for others it can also be frightening. Starting school for the first time, moving to a new building or moving away to college are all catalysts for anxiety.
Nerves on the first day of school are very normal. How do you know if your child is suffering from anxiety?
Here are the symptoms to look for: • Avoidance of school and social situations • Headaches, stomachaches, dramatic pain • Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep • Excessive need for reassurance • Poor classroom performance • Explosive behavior • Changes in eating
What can you, as a parent, do to help? • Spend time with your children • Create a stable home environment • Provide healthy meals • Communicate with your children and investigate their feelings • Talk to their teachers and counsellor • Create a daily routine • If your child is not improving, talk to your primary care provider or mental health provider.
Information provided by NARMC’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Leslie, MD.