As a clinical hypnotherapist who works closely with children experiencing anxiety, I understand how distressing bedwetting can be for both you and your child. This issue often leads parents to question whether it might be anxiety-related or a sign of a physical condition, and knowing when to seek medical advice can feel daunting.
Interestingly, data suggests that bedwetting tends to rise in September, coinciding with the return to school or starting a new school. This spike is believed by many to be linked to the anxiety that children often experience during this transitional time. Whether your child is going back to a familiar setting after usually a relaxing and nurturing holiday or embarking on a new educational journey, this shift can stir up a range of emotions.
Anxiety can manifest itself in various ways, including common behaviours such as nail-biting, thumb-sucking, and hair-pulling (known as trichotillomania). For some children, this anxiety can also present as bedwetting.
Anxiety-related bedwetting: What’s happening?
Anxiety in children can often manifest through unconscious behaviours, particularly when they are asleep. In these moments of rest, children’s minds are processing the challenges they face during the day. If they are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of going back to school or being in a new environment, it’s not uncommon for their anxiety to result in bedwetting.
The return to school often brings new challenges, whether it’s making new friends, adapting to new routines, or struggling with academic pressures. For younger children, especially those in their early primary school years, separation anxiety might also play a role. The fear of being away from parents or carers for an extended period can increase stress levels, making the child more prone to bedwetting during this period.
As a parent, it’s important to approach this situation with sensitivity and reassurance. Bedwetting linked to anxiety is often temporary, and with the right support, your child can overcome it.
Physical causes of bedwetting
While anxiety is a common culprit, it’s essential not to overlook the potential for a physical cause. Bedwetting can sometimes be a sign of underlying medical issues that need attention. For instance, conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, or constipation can contribute to nighttime accidents. These conditions may affect the bladder’s ability to hold urine overnight or lead to an increased urge to urinate.
To help differentiate between an emotional or physical cause, here are a few things you can observe:
Frequency of bedwetting: If the bedwetting happens consistently and without any discernible pattern, it may indicate a physical issue.
Accompanying symptoms: Pay attention to whether your child has complained about discomfort or pain when urinating, or if they’ve been drinking excessively or feeling unusually tired. These could be signs of a UTI or diabetes, both of which require medical intervention.
It’s worth noting that bedwetting can be a normal part of growing up, especially for younger children. However, if it continues beyond a certain age or suddenly reappears after a long dry spell, it may be a sign that something is amiss.
When to seek medical advice
Knowing when to consult a GP can help bring peace of mind and ensure your child gets the right support.
Sudden onset or recurrence after a dry spell
If your child has been dry for six months or more and suddenly starts wetting the bed again, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. This could be due to a resurgence of anxiety or indicate a physical issue that needs attention.
Physical symptoms
If your child is also experiencing other physical symptoms, such as pain when urinating, increased thirst, or unusual fatigue, seek medical advice promptly. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition, like a UTI or diabetes.
Persistent bedwetting beyond age seven
While it’s common for children to experience bedwetting at a younger age, if your child is seven or older and still experiencing this issue regularly, it’s time to explore both emotional and physical causes in more detail. Your GP may refer you to a specialist to rule out physical conditions and help you find ways to manage any emotional factors.
Managing anxiety-related bedwetting
As a parent, navigating your child’s anxiety can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to alleviate their distress and support them through this period.
Open communication
Encourage your child to talk about how they’re feeling. Sometimes, simply allowing them to express their worries can reduce their anxiety levels. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that it’s okay to be nervous about changes like starting a new school year.
Routine and reassurance
Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help ease anxiety and create a sense of security. This could involve reading a story, talking through the next day, or practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
Limit fluids before bed
Reducing the amount of fluid your child drinks an hour or two before bedtime can help prevent bedwetting. Be sure to have them use the toilet before getting into bed.
Hypnotherapy and anxiety management
Clinical hypnotherapy is a proven method for helping children manage anxiety. Hypnotherapy can equip children with the tools to understand and cope with their worries. Through gentle suggestion and visualisation techniques, children can learn to relax and constructively face their anxieties, reducing the likelihood of bedwetting. Using tools and techniques to regulate their emotions so they are in control.
Seeking support
Remember, bedwetting is something that many families experience and it’s essential to approach it with patience and understanding. Whether you turn to your GP for medical guidance or explore therapeutic support like hypnotherapy, the key is to ensure your child feels safe, supported, and not embarrassed by their experiences.
If anxiety is contributing to your child’s bedwetting, clinical hypnotherapy can be an effective tool to help them manage their emotions. I have helped many children by working with children teaching them how to relax and develop coping strategies that reduce the stress contributing to bedwetting.
In conclusion, whether bedwetting is caused by anxiety, a physical issue, or a combination of both, the good news is that with the right support, it is a manageable condition. Every child is different, and understanding the triggers and patterns behind bedwetting can go a long way in finding the right solution for your family.
Comments