BackToSchoolCare: Helping Your Child With Anxiety

Whether it’s your first time on campus or you’re a seasoned college student, the start of a new school semester can be exciting, stressful and a little scary all at the same time.

Between finding classes on campus and fitting in with new friends, you may be feeling anxious about the upcoming semester. Keep in mind, new-school-year nerves are normal and there are resources to help you — including your Wellstar primary care physician as well as on-campus counselors.

“Anxiety often goes unrecognized and undiagnosed,” said Wellstar pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “It’s not always recognized or talked about because people think it’s a normal part of life. But when anxiety interferes with completing homework, socializing or working at your job, it’s not necessarily normal. It’s helpful to have someone check it out.”

Signs of anxiety can also include difficulty sleeping, abdominal pain, headaches, significant changes in appetite or an explosive temper.

“There are effective treatments that make a difference for students including lifestyle changes, medication and therapy,” Dr. Doyle said.

Getting enough sleep, exercise and healthy food are highly important, and Dr. Doyle also recommends planning downtime from social media and life responsibilities.

“Therapy and role-playing can help you recognize your stressors and think through how to handle them ahead of time so you can face those situations,” he said. “For example, on exam day, start with positive self-talk. You can say, ‘I’m feeling nervous. I have a headache and an upset stomach. I know that’s because I’m anxious. I’ve taken many tests before and I can do this so I don’t need to worry about it.’ Breathing exercises before the test can help you stay calm. You can also plan ahead of the test to do something enjoyable afterward and to focus on that instead of the stressor.”

To help you start the semester off feeling mentally strong and physically healthy, here are some wellness tips to get you off to your best school year yet.

Study guide to stay healthy

From medical appointments to personal safety, follow our tips to prepare for college and prioritize your health.

• Take control of your health. Book your annual physical with your primary care physician at the start of the semester.
• Make mental health a priority. Get sufficient sleep, exercise and nutrition. Bring up any questions or concerns about stress, anxiety and depression with your primary care provider.
• Recognize anxiety and manage it. When you recognize a situation that triggers anxiety, start positive self-talk and deep breathing. 
• Schedule in self-care. College can be intense. Make time for yourself to do things you enjoy for your mental and physical well-being.
• Stay organized. Use a planner or calendar to schedule classes, exams and study time to keep yourself on track.
• Set roommate rules. If you’re living with roommates, create clear rules for your space like noise levels, chores and when other friends are allowed over.
• Know your surroundings. Get familiar with the campus layout and where the security station or emergency phones are located.
• Use the buddy system. Stay alert on campus and walk with a friend when possible, especially at night.
• Protect yourself at parties. Never leave drinks unattended, whether you’re hanging out at a bar, party or other gathering with friends.

Get ready for campus life

Heading to college can be a big transition, and you may feel anxiety about the upcoming changes, especially during a pandemic. But don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need help getting ready or adjusting.

Talking to your Wellstar is a great place to start, whether your concerns are about physical, emotional or mental health. Our health partners are here to support you and can connect you with specialists to keep you feeling well.

Book your annual physical today and be sure to bring up any questions or concerns you have with your doctor.

As you prepare for the new school year, give your child a positive start by completing your own homework assignment — checking in on their health.

Before heading back to school, prioritize your child’s physical and emotional well-being with a visit to your family’s Wellstar pediatrician. Our compassionate pediatricians share your goal of keeping children healthy as they grow.

“In pediatrics, it’s always a relationship with the entire family, and it’s working in partnership with the parents,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Andrew Doyle. “We’re here to help them take care of their children.”

Preventative check-ups and screenings help children stay ahead of health issues, and our pediatricians will ensure your child is up-to-date on their vaccines and discuss which immunizations are needed to prevent disease.

“Our job is to make sure our children are growing up healthy and poised to be successful in life, and the best way to do that is to set them up well from the beginning,” Dr. Doyle said.

Your family’s pediatrician also can help you navigate health requirements at your child’s school.

“Parents need to complete a lot of forms for their child to attend school, and they don't know how to navigate the process. That's when you reach out to your pediatrician,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Hebah Pranckun. “We are knowledgeable about what forms schools require, and we make sure the kids are up-to-date on their vaccines so they're protected against all the illnesses they can be.” 

Heading back to school healthy

Teach your child healthy habits so they can feel their best throughout the school year.

• Practice good hygiene. Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Don’t send your children to school if they’re sick. If they’re exposed to or test positive for COVID-19, follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread.
• Get moving. Children should have about 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. “Sometimes that's as simple as going outside to play or going for a walk and, especially for older kids, staying off screens and getting up to move,” Dr. Doyle said.
• Eat healthy. Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks.
• Get plenty of sleep. Children aged 3 to 5 should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teenagers need about eight to 10 hours. “Children need more sleep than adults do, and unfortunately, just like adults, children are chronically sleep deprived,” Dr. Doyle said.

While the end of summer is often a busy time, planning ahead now will help ensure the whole family has a healthy, successful year.

Find a Wellstar pediatrician near you and book your child’s wellness exam today.

When a kid experiences a sudden medical emergency, it can be a stressful experience for both the parents and the child.

With four dedicated pediatric emergency departments, Wellstar Health System helps families have peace of mind that their little ones are in expert hands. Find a location near you:

• Wellstar Cobb Hospital
• Wellstar Douglas Hospital
• Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
• Wellstar Paulding Hospital

Here, we know quick action, advanced services and compassionate care are essential to treating children like 12-year-old Alex. When he broke his leg during football practice, the injury could have caused lasting damage if he didn’t get the proper care.

“From the moment we arrived at the ED, the experience was absolutely phenomenal. He wasn’t treated like a number,” said Stephanie, Alex’s mother. “Knowing that the Wellstar team really cared about my son helped build my trust.”

Due to the severity of the break in Alex’s leg, surgery was a likely outcome.

“There was a 90% chance that my son would need surgery,” Stephanie explained. The odds seemed stacked against them.

However, the skilled pediatric team, led by Dr. Mark Brown, didn’t give up. They expertly set Alex’s break in a cast. Because it was done so well, he never required surgery to heal.

Now, months after the injury, Alex is on the mend and finishing up his last few physical therapy sessions. He will make a full recovery and can keep playing the sports he loves.

That’s because Wellstar knows kids aren’t just “mini adults.” Our pediatric specialists take time to understand your child’s unique needs, even in an emergency.

Expert emergency care just for kids

Our pediatric emergency departments are designed for our youngest patients, from birth to early adulthood. We deliver emergency care for a full range of pediatric emergency conditions, including:

• Fracture
• Head injury
• Gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction or severe abdominal pain
• Acute asthma
• Pulmonary issues
• Diabetic emergency
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizure

Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments are powered by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Associates (PEMA) to provide high-quality care. Pediatric patients also have access to child life specialists who are trained to help children understand their injuries, medical care and even how to cope with difficult emotions.

In addition to our skilled medical team, each facility offers special equipment — like small casts and crutches — that are the perfect size for kids at any age or stage. Having the right technology, treatments and resources in place helps your child heal and feel better.

Don’t delay care for kids

Medical emergencies are just as serious for children as they are for adults. If your child needs care for a life-threatening condition, call 911 right away.
For routine care and other specialty services, find Wellstar pediatric care near you.

Wellstar has a wide network of experts close to home. From well-child exams and specialty care to diagnostic testing and high-tech treatments, our team is here to protect your child’s health.