Parenting a Child with POTS: Supporting Their Mental Health

One of my favorite type of clients to work with is children and parents who experience chronic illness because they are often the strongest, kindest, and most creative clients! Also, I hold a deep well of empathy and sympathy for them because I personally know what it is like! If your child has been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), you’re likely juggling a whirlwind of symptoms, medical appointments, and lifestyle adjustments. POTS is more than just feeling dizzy when standing—it’s a complex autonomic nervous system disorder that affects heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation. Beyond the physical challenges, children with POTS often struggle with anxiety, depression, and identity shifts that impact their emotional well-being.

Understanding the Mental Health Impact of POTS

Children with POTS commonly experience:

• Anxiety and Panic Attacks – The unpredictability of symptoms can lead to heightened stress and avoidance of certain situations.

• Depression and Low Mood – Chronic illness can create feelings of isolation, frustration, and hopelessness.

• Medical Trauma – Frequent doctor visits and misdiagnoses can cause fear and distrust in the healthcare system.

• Social Struggles and Self-Esteem Issues – Children with POTS may feel different from their peers, leading to self-doubt and loneliness.

7 Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health with POTS

1. Validate Their Experience
   Children with POTS often feel dismissed or misunderstood. Acknowledge their struggles with statements like, “I know this is hard, and I’m here to help you through it.” Validation fosters trust and emotional security.

2. Help Them Manage Anxiety
   Since POTS symptoms can mimic anxiety (like a racing heart), teach your child grounding techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation to help them stay calm during flares.

3. Encourage Self-Advocacy
   Equip your child with simple, confident ways to explain their condition. Example: “I have a condition that affects my blood circulation, so I sometimes need to sit down or rest.” Self-advocacy builds confidence and reduces stress in social and medical settings.

4. Support School Accommodations
   Work with the school to establish a 504 Plan or IEP to ensure accommodations like extra hydration breaks, elevator access, and flexible attendance. A supportive school environment reduces academic stress.

5. Promote a Balanced Activity Approach
   Teach your child to listen to their body. Emphasize energy conservation techniques like the “spoon theory” to help them balance rest and activity without guilt.

6. Celebrate Small Wins
   Managing POTS is a long game, and progress can be slow. Celebrate victories—whether it’s making it through a full school day or trying a new coping strategy—to reinforce resilience and motivation.

7. Normalize Therapy and Mental Health Care
   If your child struggles with emotional distress, consider therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective in managing anxiety, depression, and adjustment challenges. Let them know that talking to a therapist is just as normal as seeing a doctor for their physical symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Parenting a child with POTS is a journey, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times. You don’t have to have all the answers—just being a compassionate, steady presence for your child is enough. With your support, they can develop the confidence and resilience to navigate both the physical and emotional challenges of their condition.

You’ve got this, and most importantly, they’ve got you.