Stress symptoms in children

Usually, children are perceived as careless beings who spend their days in happiness, serenity, playfulness and joy. Surely, these kinds of beings could not possibly be exposed to any stress, at least not to serious stress. Yet, believe it or not, there are children who suffer from excessive stress in their lives and some of the causes of this stress may make their lives miserable.

What Causes Stress in Children?

First of all, when our youngest once first go to preschool, they face separation from their parents for the first time ever. This leads to a certain amount of stress and uneasiness. Secondly, the same matter, but to a much greater extent, happens when children experience their parents' divorce or take part in their arguments which lead to the separation in the first place. All these factors are incredibly stressful for children since their homes are their security and the stress at home results in stress in a child as well.

Finally, death of a dear person, changing the location or school, peer pressure and troubles at school all are additional factors known to trigger stress in children.

Signs of Stress in Children

When the child's body gets exposed to stress, it reacts abruptly and fiercely, through a fight or flight response. Then, excessive adrenaline gets produced in the body and, in the long run, this can lead to numerous health issues.

Stress can affect the child's skin through diseases, infections, asthma, fevers, insomnia or other sleep disorders, headaches and, quite often, stomach pain. However, the symptoms do not end here since bed-wetting, skin picking or rapid changes in the child's body weight may also be signs of excessive stress in his/her life.

Stressed children are easily irritated and are very nervous, losing their temper quickly. On the other hand, they can get bored easily and show lack of attention, disobeying the instructions they get from parents or teachers. Moreover, they might be prone to secluding themselves, feeling strange sensation of guilt.

If the cases of stress have been severe, the children may develop post traumatic stress disorder which is a health problem manifesting through fear, anxiety, sensitivity to noises and onset of aches as well as pains. Leading this kind of life can deprive a child of all the happiness he/she deserves.

Finally, poor school performance, pessimism, negativity, low self-confidence and proneness to drugs and alcohol abuse are all possible signs of stress bothering a child to a great extent.

In most cases, a better communication between you and your child can make all the difference. Calm the child down, be supportive and understanding, as well as caring and gentle, showing interest in your child's life.