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- Stress can be triggered in children when they experience something new or unexpected. For young children, tensions at home such as domestic abuse, separation of parents or the death of a loved one are common causes of stress. School is another common reason – making new friends or taking exams can make children feel overwhelmed.
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Jul 13, 2022 · When stress comes in manageable doses, and there are loving adults to help ease and buffer the pain, stress can help children grow and develop into stronger, more resilient human beings.
- Traci Pedersen
- Overview
- Signs of stress in children
- Potential causes of stress for children
- How to help a stressed-out child
- When to contact a doctor
- Summary
Stress in children may cause them to regress in behavior, withdraw, have heightened emotional responses, or become more fearful. Caregivers can encourage rest, fun, and positive thinking to help a stressed child.
Some stress can be positive in the short term, such as the temporary stress that motivates a child to study for an exam or get to school on time. However, chronic stress is long lasting and can negatively affect physical and mental health.
Children may experience stress due to changes at home or school, life events, or pressure to meet expectations.
This article looks at signs of stress in children, potential causes of stress, and how to support a child who is experiencing stress.
0–3 years
Children up to 3 years old may show stress in the following ways: •clinging to a caregiver more than usual •changes to eating or sleeping patterns •returning to behaviors they had when younger •irritability •hyperactivity •becoming more demanding •becoming more fearful or wary of things •crying more frequently
4–6 years
Children between 4 and 6 years old may show stress by: •clinging to adults •changes to eating or sleeping patterns •returning to behaviors they had when younger •irritability •reduced concentration •being more hyperactive or more inactive •stopping playing or talking •taking on adult roles •increased anxiety or worry
7–12 years
Children between 7 and 12 years old may show stress in the following ways: •changes in eating or sleeping patterns •irritability •concern over others who stress may also affect •becoming withdrawn •increased fearfulness •aggression •restlessness •poor concentration and memory •feelings of guilt or self-blame •repetitive play or frequently talking about stressful events
Potential causes of stress in children include the following:
•tension at home
•parent or caregiver divorce
•loss
•changes, even if seemingly positive, such as moving house and getting a new sibling or a new stepparent
•making friends at school
Ways to support and help a stressed child can include the following:
•Promote healthy habits: Help a child to stick to healthy habits, such as regular eating and sleeping schedules. Children aged 6–10 need 9–12 hours of sleep, and teenagers need 8–10 hours of sleep each night.
•Encourage rest and fun: Enjoyable activities may help children cope with stress better. This can include playing, exercising, being outdoors, and spending time with friends. Getting enough rest is also important.
•Be aware of triggers: Help a child to notice and track when they feel stressed and if there are any patterns. This may help children and caregivers feel more able to prevent and deal with stress.
•Give emotional support: Give a child extra time, attention, and love. Ask how they feel and listen to them, respond with kindness, and offer reassurance.
•Monitor symptoms: Notice how stress is affecting a child emotionally, mentally, and physically.
If people have concerns that a child is experiencing significant, frequent stress, they can talk with a healthcare professional. Speaking with a doctor or mental health professional can help people seek specific support for a child.
Mental health professionals can help people identify sources of stress and develop positive coping tools to help relieve symptoms.
Stress can affect children in different ways, but it may cause changes in their mood, behavior, daily habits, relationships, and school performance.
Children may experience stress for a range of reasons, such as expectations from school or home, peer pressure, or traumatic events. Even positive changes can cause stress for children.
Giving a child extra love and support can help reassure them, and helping them to find positive coping tools for dealing with stress may help ease symptoms.
If people have concerns about ongoing or severe symptoms of stress in a child, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
- Beth Sissons
Oct 24, 2019 · Prolonged stress can cause high blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and contribute to diseases such as obesity and heart disease. It can also lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression—disorders that are becoming more common in youth.
Depression in children is most likely the result of one or more of the following: Genetics and family history (other close biological relatives have depression). Physical illness or injury. Stressful life events like separation, divorce, moving or the death of someone close to them. Substance use.
Jul 25, 2023 · Although fears and worries are typical in children, persistent or extreme forms of fear and sadness could be due to anxiety or depression. Because the symptoms primarily involve thoughts and feelings, they are sometimes called internalizing disorders.
Facts. Anxiety and depression affect many children1. 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 5.8 million) had diagnosed anxiety in 2016-2019. 4.4% of children aged 3-17 years (approximately 2.7 million) have diagnosed depression in 2016-2019. Anxiety and depression have increased over time2.
