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Kids Stress
Is your child showing signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or unusual behaviors?
Childhood stress is more prevalent than many realize. According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Stress in America™ survey, teens aged 13 to 17 experience stress levels comparable to adults. On a scale of 1 to 10, teens reported an average stress level of 5.8 during the school year, significantly higher than the healthy level of 3.9. Even during the summer, their stress levels remained elevated at 4.6.
Dr. Heather LaChance talks about recognizing stress and trauma in kids and teens
Signs of Stress in Children:
Stomach aches
Frequent headaches
Acne
Dizziness
Bowel issues
Bedwetting
Increased frequency of colds or illnesses
Clinginess
Changes in schoolwork quality
New habits (e.g., hair twirling, nose picking, thumb sucking)
Altered sleep patterns
Mood swings
Increased dishonesty
Changes in eating habits
Causes of Childhood Stress:
Childhood stress can stem from various sources, including:
Academic pressure (schoolwork and exams)
Overloaded schedules
Peer relationships and friendships
Family dynamics
Media influences
Relationship issues (e.g., with boyfriends/girlfriends)
Social media interactions
Children may also experience internal pressure as they navigate their identities and understand their place in the world.
Stress can be exacerbated by:
Marital challenges at home
Family illness or neglect
Financial worries and poverty
High expectations for achievement
Exposure to violence or trauma in the community
Stressful conversations among parents, friends, or through media
How to Support a Stressed Child:
Listen Attentively: Make time to listen quietly and attentively to help your child feel validated and understood.
Hold Space for Emotions: Be a compassionate and nonjudgmental presence as your child expresses their feelings. Encourage them to articulate their emotions through words, drawings, or movement.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits, such as, “When you feel angry, don’t touch anyone or anything,” or “Would running up and down the hall help?”
Encourage Problem-Solving: Instead of jumping to conclusions, help your child develop problem-solving skills by reflecting on what you’ve heard and asking exploratory questions.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage deeper conversations by asking questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “What was your day like?” Invite them to elaborate with prompts like, “Tell me more.”
Reflect Emotions: Acknowledge and validate their feelings by saying, “It sounds like you’re feeling really angry (or sad, hurt, worried, etc.).”
Explore Solutions Together: Ask your child what they think might have caused their feelings and discuss potential solutions, assuring them you are there to help if they want it.
Symptoms of Childhood Depression:
Childhood depression differs from stress. While prolonged stress can contribute to depression, it is characterized by an ongoing sense of sadness that disrupts daily life. If your child’s mood persists and interferes with their functioning, consider consulting a healthcare professional. Remember that childhood depression is often overlooked, as children may be seen as “moody” or just “typical teenagers.” Given the concerning rise in childhood suicide over the past decade, it’s crucial to seek evaluation when necessary.
Signs of Depression in Children Include:
Persistent sadness
Feelings of hopelessness
Heightened emotional sensitivity
Changes in sleep patterns (either too much or too little)
