Anxiety & Mental Health
What do you do when your child won’t go to school or is overly anxious about attending?
It can be heart-breaking and frustrating for a parent/carer to manage. Education plays a key role in children’s development, and frequent absence from school increases the likelihood of a range of adverse outcomes in childhood and later life. This includes poor academic performance, social isolation, economic deprivation and unemployment in adulthood. There are many risk factors for frequent school absence, including factors related to the child and their family, school and community.
Poor mental health has previously been linked to poor school attendance, with anxiety often described as a key risk factor. There are many aspects of the school setting that may cause anxiety, such as separation from parents/carers, social interaction with peers and school staff, and academic stress. This may lead children to avoid school in an attempt to reduce their anxiety, at least in the short-term. Somatic symptoms such as headaches and tummy-aches are also common in children with anxiety, and may further contribute to their absence from school.
It is important that if you have any concerns around your child’s mental health that you make an appointment with you GP.
An Introduction to Stress & Anxiety
Theoretical Models & Approaches to Understanding Stress & Anxiety
Practical Ways to Help
Educational Psychology Service in Dumfries & Galloway
Dumfries & Galloway offers a consultation telephone service for parents/carers of young people who do not have a file with the Service.
Parents/carers can access this service by emailing Supportinglearners@dumgal.gov.uk or phoning 01387 273784. Further information written for parents and carers can be found on the council’s webpage.

Resources to Support Anxiety & Mental Health for Parents/Carers
- Breathing & Relaxation
- Guided relaxation script
- Handout School Absence and Anxiety
- Helping Manage Anxiety
- How to do Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- How to…fear and anxiety
- How to Manage and Reduce Stress
- NHS Forth Valley – See Daylight and Feel Better
- NHS How to Manage Anxiety Booklet
- Not Fine in School Parents Guide to Supporting a Child Attend School
- Overcoming Agoraphobia
- Panic Attack Booklet
- Stress Anxiety Booklet
- Summary of practical strategies
- Tips for Parents to Support a Child with Anxiety
- Trauma Reduction Infographic
- Unhelpful thinking styles