Stress in Growing Minds Understanding Types and Signs

Once we have crossed a milestone, it seems easy to attain. At times, that’s what as an adult we think when it comes to our children that they’re living a stress-free, nothing to worry life. On surface, we may say that childhood is comparatively less stressful than adulthood. But every stage of our lifespan has its own challenges. The degree of difficulty would differ but experienced by all.

During developmental years, comprehending that ‘I’m under stress’ is difficult for a child to understand & express, rather it would reflect in their behaviours which may cause them to regress, withdraw, amplified emotional responses, become more fearful. Caregivers shall foster positive environment, which doesn’t over-stimulate children and allows them to rest, have fun, share their thoughts and feelings and cultivate positive thinking to help a stressed child.

stress can be useful, which is called eustress that encourages to study for an exam or reach school on time. But, chronic can adversely impact physical and mental health in long run.

Children aged 6-10 years, may experience stress due to certain physiological condition, developing critical thinking, high order thinking skills, interpersonal conflicts or dysfunctional family dynamics at home, academic pressure, bullying, competitive and challenging situations at school.

On the onset of puberty, adapting to physiological changes, Building & finding an identity of their own, meeting up to parental and academic’s expectations, confusion related to career choices, body image issues, relationships issues, challenging family dynamics and bullying, trigger stress among young people.

Signs of stress among young people reflects in their behaviour, body language, physiological state. Here some signs of stress.

Physiological signs: headache, fatigue, frequent sickness, sweating, stomach-ache, changes in appetite, new or recurrent bed-wetting, chronic pain.

Mental & Behavioural signs: irritability, aggressive or stubborn behaviour, new or recurring fears, anger, excessive crying, whining, procrastination, outburst, clinginess, defying rules or authority, anxiety, panic attack, clinching, teeth grinding, uninterested in life.

Parents must acknowledge child’s emotions and fear. Refrain from dismissing by saying, “you shouldn’t worry, you have a good life.” Or compare your experience with them. Provide your child with empathetic space to talk and listen to them patiently. Avoid labelling child with negative labels as ‘shy’, ‘weak’. Spend time with your child every day without distraction, foster healthy and active lifestyle. When required, reach out to trusted counsellor for additional guidance and support.