Anxiety Disorders in Children Support Group

Childhood","This community is for parents and caregivers of children who exhibit signs of anxiety. Anxiety refers to a complex combination of negative emotions that includes fear, apprehension and worry, and is often accompanied by physical sensations such as palpitations, nausea, chest pain and/or shortness of breath."

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cypriotmom 01/30/2015

Does anyone have any experience with Saint John's wort in treating their child's anxiety disorder? My son's anxiety problems aren't getting any better and I'm wondering if this is worth - and safe - trying (my son is only 5 1/2).
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

redhead2468 03/06/2015

Supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Best advice I can give (I'm a nurse and mother of a child with anxiety) is to see a psychiatrist (don't use your pediatrician, see a specialist) and see what he/she recommends. Mine didn't want him to start before 6, but had some other recommendations. As a mother (not a nurse), melatonin has been effective and safe since my son was four. Sleep aid given 10 min before sleepy time, crushed in something he likes like pudding or applesauce. My son is sensitive to meds, so he got 0.25 mg, cut from a 1 mg tab that you can get at Walmart. GNC also has a cherry flavor, but can't remember the mg.

pumpkinsmom 03/06/2015

hI I DO., MY DAUGHTER'S 11 BUT IMMATURE AS A 9 YR OLD. THIS YEAR I TRIED TAKING ONE CAPSULE PUTTING IT IN AN EMPTY TEA BAG AND MAKING A TEA WITH IT, CALLING IT BEDTIME TEA BECAUSE SHE WAS WAKING UP WITH ANXIETY/ NIGHTMARES. IT WORKED GREAT THAT WAY AND SHE HAS BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT FOR A WHILE NOW. HOWEVER, HAVING USED IT , I WOULDN'T GIVE IT TO A CHILD DURING THE DAY BECAUSE IT DOES RELAX THEM BUT I THINK BECAUSE THERE CHILDREN THE SLEEPINESS COULD AFFECT THEIR SCHOOL DAY. BUT IT DOES WORK GREAT AS A BEDTIME TEA, 10 MINUTES AFTER TAKING IT SHES SLEEPY.

cypriotmom 03/07/2015

Thank you both for your replies and your support. I see that you focus on sleep issues in your answers; however, my son's anxiety has not affected his sleep. If anything, I have trouble getting him to get up and face his day sometimes but he does go to bed without real problems.

My boy 's anxiety currently manifests itself in social situations (improper behavior, excessive nervousness) and other things that most people would not pay much attention to, such as talking nonstop, asking questions nonstop, avoiding public places and new experiences, constant negativity etc. As his mommy, I can clearly see the difference from the once - carefree child I had and it hurts more than I could ever say.

I do hope things will get better for all of us here.

jbj1001 03/09/2015

We have not tried St. John's Wort. Some of us on this board have had success with magnesium supplements, but I am guessing he may be too young? I would also suggest a child psychologist or psychiatrist to begin with. There may some behavioral ideas that will help reduce his anxiety. Good luck, hang in there!

cypriotmom 03/11/2015

I will look into those magnesium supplements; after all, magnesium is a food supplement and I don't see how it could hurt.

We did give counselling a shot but I found it to be a long, emotionally exhausting, and thoroughly unscientific process so gave up after two sessions. Maybe we just didn't find the right psychologist? I admit I've never warmed up to the idea of psychologists, though.
Anyway, we don't have that many options so we' ll see how things go and take it from there.

cmbarton3 03/11/2015

Hi there!! Here is some info for the magnesium supplements. Very effective for anxiety!!

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill

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