Using Bilateral Stimulation to Reduce Stress in Children and Adolescents

Stress is common and often debilitating for children and adolescents. According to a recent study from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one-third of adolescents experience an anxiety disorder, and many children also struggle with anxiety at an early age. While various treatments are available, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to medication, there’s a growing interest in complementary techniques like bilateral stimulation (BLS). This method, traditionally used in therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), is now more accessible through tools like Dharma Dr.’s bilateral stimulation tabs.​​Using EMDR buzzers outside the clinical setting is easier than ever to incorporate into your daily life.

In this post, we will explore how bilateral stimulation can be an effective tool for reducing stress in children and adolescents. We’ll delve into how Dharma Dr.’s bilateral stimulation device works, and what makes at-home buzzers different than traditional EMDR bilateral stimulation tools. We’ll also answer several questions that parents and educators might have about this topic.

What is Bilateral Stimulation and How Does It Work?

Bilateral stimulation involves rhythmic, alternating stimulation of the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This can be done through eye movements, tactile vibrations, or auditory tones that alternate between the left and right sides. In therapeutic settings, bilateral stimulation is often accomplished using EMDR tappers or vibrating hand paddles to help individuals process traumatic memories. However, BLS has broader day-today applications, particularly in reducing stress. 

The rationale behind BLS is rooted in the way the brain processes emotional information. When a person experiences stress, their brain can become overwhelmed, making it difficult to process feelings or engage in rational thinking. Bilateral stimulation helps by "shifting" the brain's focus, allowing it to engage both hemispheres, which in turn may help calm the nervous system. This bilateral engagement is thought to reduce the emotional charge of distressing thoughts and improve the brain’s capacity to regulate itself.

For children and adolescents, who may not yet have the emotional maturity to fully articulate or manage their stress, this method can offer a non-verbal way to reduce stress and foster emotional balance. In a clinical setting, EMDR bilateral stimulation tools can be clunky and are usually wired. Dharma Dr.'s wireless bilateral stimulation tabs are a discreet tool that can be used at home, in school, or even on the go. 

Why Is Childhood Stress on the Rise?

According to Jonathan Haidt, a prominent social psychologist, the rates of anxiety and depression in young people have been rising steadily over the past decade (Haidt and Lukianoff, 2018). In his book, The Coddling of the American Mind, Haidt (2018) argues that increased screen time, academic pressure, and a culture of overprotection are contributing factors to the growing mental health crisis among youth. Children and adolescents are increasingly exposed to social stressors, but many lack the coping mechanisms to manage these pressures effectively.

The NIH corroborates this, noting that about 32% of U.S. adolescents have experienced some form of anxiety disorder (NIMH). Stress in youth manifests in various ways, including phobias, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Untreated, these conditions can lead to academic difficulties, social withdrawal, and other negative impacts on daily life.

Given the rise in childhood and adolescent stressors, finding accessible, low-risk interventions is crucial. While traditional therapy and medication are effective for many, not all families have access to these options, and some parents may prefer to explore non-pharmaceutical interventions before trying medication. 

Can Bilateral Stimulation Be Used at Home?

For many families, managing childhood stress often requires daily practices to help maintain calm and emotional balance. Dharma Dr.’s bilateral stimulation tabs are one such tool that can be incorporated into everyday routines. Dharma Dr.’s tabs are inspired by EMDR devices and are designed for easy, at-home use. These small tabs emit an alternating vibration between left and right, providing tactile stimulation that mimics the bilateral eye movements used in EMDR therapy. They can be used during homework, bedtime, or whenever a child feels stressed.

Parents may wonder how effective such at-home tools are without the guidance of a therapist. While EMDR devices are traditionally used in a clinical setting, they can still be helpful as a standalone intervention, especially for stress management. Trauma therapist Beth Tyson discusses how ‘’incorporating BLS into your interactions with your children can create a nurturing environment that fosters healing, emotional regulation, and a stronger bond’ (Tyson, 2023). She goes on to discuss the importance of consent and utilizing a ‘slow and gentle approach’ (Tyson, 2023) while introducing BLS. 

For children, especially those who might not fully understand or articulate their stress, a simple tool like bilateral stimulation can offer immediate relief, providing a tangible, calming experience that doesn’t require them to explain their feelings. It’s a quiet, unobtrusive intervention that can be used discreetly in a variety of settings.

How Does Bilateral Stimulation Compare to Other Stress Management Tools?

Parents and caregivers have many tools at their disposal when it comes to managing stress in children, from mindfulness exercises to sensory toys like stress balls. Mindfulness and meditation are also effective ways to help children develop long-term coping skills, but they require practice and attention, which can be challenging for younger children or those with significant stress. Sensory toys offer immediate tactile stimulation, but they don't necessarily engage both hemispheres of the brain in the same way that BLS does. The key advantage of bilateral stimulation devices is their ability to activate and soothe the brain by engaging it in a focused, repetitive task that directly affects brain activity.

Moreover, unlike some methods that require external support (such as therapy or group sessions), using bilateral stimulation at home can be easily integrated into a child’s daily life. Dharma Dr.’s tabs are small, portable, and easy to use, making them a convenient option for parents looking for non-invasive tools to support their child's emotional regulation.

Are There Any Risks or Side Effects to Using Bilateral Stimulation?

A common concern among parents is whether using bilateral stimulation comes with any risks or side effects. Fortunately, BLS is considered a low-risk intervention. Since it doesn’t involve medication or invasive procedures, the likelihood of negative side effects is minimal.

However, it’s important to note that bilateral stimulation is not a cure-all. While it can help manage symptoms of stress, it works best when integrated into a comprehensive mental health plan. For children and adolescents with severe anxiety disorders, it’s always recommended to consult with a mental health professional to create a tailored treatment plan.

Conclusion: The Future of Bilateral Stimulation in Stress Management

In a world where childhood stress is becoming increasingly prevalent, finding simple, effective, and accessible tools is more important than ever. Bilateral stimulation offers a promising option for parents and caregivers seeking non-invasive ways to help children manage their stress. Dharma Dr.’s bilateral stimulation tabs make incorporating BLS into daily routines easier than ever, providing a convenient solution that can be used anywhere, anytime.

References

Haidt, J., & Lukianoff, G. (2018). The coddling of the American mind: How good intentions and bad ideas are setting up a generation for failure. Penguin Press.

National Institute of Mental Health. Any Anxiety Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder#part_2578

Tyson, B. (2023, July 26). The July childhood trauma newsletter: Best practices for using bilateral stimulation with children. Beth Tyson Trauma Consulting. https://bethtyson.com/2023/07/26/the-july-childhood-trauma-newsletter-best-practices-for-using-bilateral-stimulation-with-children/ https://bethtyson.com/2023/07/26/the-july-childhood-trauma-newsletter-best-practices-for-using-bilateral-stimulation-with-children/