Parent’s Guide to Dealing With Back-to-School Stress and Anxiety

One of the most stressful times for parents is when the kids are going back to school. Also known as back-to-school anxiety, this would be any type of stress related to returning to school. These feelings can take a mental and physical toll on parents if left unchecked. In this article, we will discuss some of the signs of stress and anxiety to watch for and the best ways to cope with these pressing issues. 

Signs of Parental Anxiety 

Parental anxiety is the stress, worry, and fear some may experience with their role as a parent or care giver. Here are some of the most common signs of parental anxiety:

• Feelings of worry
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Feelings of restlessness
• Stomach aches
• Difficulty sleeping

In addition to common issues that can cause stress or anxiety such as buying school clothes and supplies, many parents today must worry about toxins in schools, exposure to viruses, hectic schedules and more. Parents must understand parental anxiety is real and what may trigger these reactions. 

The Effects of Parental Anxiety on Children 

Studies indicate parental anxiety can directly impact children as well. When parents have an anxiety disorder, their children are “significantly more likely to have anxiety and depressive disorders.” Children were also noted to be at greater risk for generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder or specific phobias. ^[1]

Signs of a potential anxiety disorder in kids include the following:

• Reluctant to try new things or take risks
• Worry about the future or bad things happening
• Extreme fear of certain things or situations (going to the doctor, dogs, etc.)
• Fear of going to places with large numbers (school, concerts, etc.)

Parents must be aware of their feelings of stress or anxiety and watch for signs it could affect their children. 

Coping With Parental Stress and Anxiety 

Here are the most effective ways parents can ease their feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Plan ahead. 

Planning ahead means learning how to deal with triggering events or situations before they arise. For example, to decrease a child’s exposure to toxins, purchase school supplies that are labeled chemical-free or do not contain harmful ingredients. 

Learn coping skills. 

Parents need to remember that some things will be out of their control. In these instances, learning how to deal with these situations when they arise is crucial. For example, doing anything about a hectic schedule may be extremely difficult. However, when children see their parents effectively deal with a stressful situation calmly and coolly, they may learn how to cope by themselves. Here are a few coping skills to try:

• Maintain a calm demeanor
• Hide intense emotions from your kids
• Talk to other parents and ask how they cope
• Talk to your partner, parents, etc. for guidance and support
• Seek professional help
• Exercise to relieve stress (30-60 minutes daily)
• Get adequate sleep nightly (7-9 hours sleep)

Be honest with your kids. 

Parents can talk to their children about their struggles with anxiety. For example, if you shout at the child or another person during a stressful moment, sit them down at a later time and explain how you lost your cool and could have reacted better. You can then have a dialogue on better ways to handle the situation in the future.

If the unhealthy school menus are your concern, tell your child which foods are not good for them and explain why. Next, discuss the healthier options available and their benefits. 

Avoid situations that trigger anxiety. 

In some instances, removing yourself from situations that cause anxiety might be your best option. This could help decrease the risk of increasing stress levels in the child as well. For example, if a teacher or school administrator is the source of your frustration. consider letting your partner talk to them on your behalf. 

Top Foods For Stress and Anxiety 

An important but often overlooked aspect of dealing with stress and anxiety is diet. When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, many people turn to “comfort foods” to feel better. While they may taste good, many foods are high in sugar, sodium, artificial colors, and ingredients. Eating them in excess could increase the risk of various health issues, such as cardiovascular disease or obesity.

The following foods are considered among the best (and worst) to eat for stress and anxiety: 

Resist the urge to eat comfort foods during periods of stress, reach for healthier foods instead.

Studies indicate stress and anxiety can have a direct impact on health.

• Increased risk of disease. Studies indicate both stress and inflammation could be linked to the development of the following diseases: ^[2]
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Autoimmune disorders (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
• Mental illness (depression, anxiety disorders)
• Cardiovascular disease (heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure)
• Vitamin C and stress. A vitamin C deficiency has been widely associated with stress-related diseases. Vitamin C Supplements are a potential treatment for mood and anxiety disorders. ^[3]

Supplements 

Besides eating healthier foods to combat stress, supplements are also available. Parents may use three all-natural supplements to help combat anxiety and stress.

Systemic Formulas: #115 - B16 - BSV - Vitamin B Stress Complex 

Also known as the “anti-stress vitamins,” B vitamins are water-soluble vitamins that help to calm the nervous system and balance mood. In addition, they are believed to help stop memory loss, reduce depression, and boost longevity. 

B16 - BSV - Vitamin B Stress Complex contains herbs specifically designed to help the body adapt to the normal stresses of life today. Created by Dr. Shayne Morris, this supplement is allergen-free and yeast free. His unique formula contains a special mix of ingredients to support the body’s utilization of these vitamins on a cellular level. This all-natural product contains the following B vitamins and other powerful ingredients for stress and anxiety:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin/Niacinamide)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate)
• Vitamin B9 (Calcium)
• Vitamin B12 (Hydroxocobalamin)
• Vitamin B6
• Centaury herb
• Choline
• Alfalfa leaves
• Spearmint leaves

Systemic Formulas: #406 - CALM - Stress Relief And Mood

Support

CALM - Stress Relief And Mood Support helps promote feelings of calmness and relaxation during times of stress. This all-natural supplement provides nutrients that play a role in the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. In addition,CALM - Stress Relief And Mood Supportprovides nutrients that promote healthy methylation, a process in the body that controls the replication of DNA and could potentially play a role in the development of chronic disease.  

Systemic Formulas: #427 - DReM - Sleep Aid 

A common side effect of stress and anxiety is insomnia.DReM - Sleep Aid promotes relaxation and a healthy, restful sleep. This supplement is free of artificial ingredients and contains the following natural ingredients that promote sleep:

• Tryptophan
• Passion flower
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin B6
• Melatonin
• Astragalus
• L-Glutamic Acid
• Cat’s claw
• Valerian root
• Kava kava extract
• Calcium
• Vitamin C

Summary 

As we enter another school year, many parents will experience feelings of stress and anxiety. While eliminating stress may be impossible, learning how to manage it effectively is key. What are some of your favorite ways to handle stress? Share your tips below!

References 

1. Peter J Lawrence, Kou Murayama, Cathy Creswell. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Offspring of Parents With Anxiety Disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2019 Jan;58(1):46-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2018.07.898. Epub 2018 Nov 1. [PMID: 30577938].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30577938/
2. Agnese Mariotti. The Effects Of Chronic Stress On Health: New Insights Into The Molecular Mechanisms Of Brain–Body Communication.  Future Sci OA. 2015 Nov; 1(3): FSO23.. Published online 2015 Nov 1. doi: 10.4155/fso.15.21. [PMID: 28031896].https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137920/
3. Bettina Moritz 1, Ariana E Schmitz 1, Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues, (et al).  The Role Of Vitamin C In Stress-Related Disorders.  J Nutr Biochem. 2020 Nov;85:108459. doi: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108459. Epub 2020 Jul 3. [PMID: 32745879]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32745879/