What is stress?
Stress is a feeling that can happen to a child when they have to handle a change or a difficult situation. Even school-age children can feel worried and stressed.
Stress can come from outside, such as family, friends, and school. It can also come from children themselves. Just like adults, children may expect too much of themselves and then feel stressed if they feel that they have "failed."
Children can feel stress that is brief, such as being called on in class or trying out for a team. Or it can last longer, such as after a death in the family or a divorce. For some children, such as those living in poverty, stress may come from long-lasting situations.
In general, anything that may cause children fear and anxiety can cause stress.
Adults can help children with stress in many ways. Three important things you can do are to try to reduce the amount of stress in your lives, help build positive coping skills, and teach children to let stress out.
What are signs of stress in children?
Physical signs
Physical signs of stress in school-age children may include:
- Complaining of headaches or stomach aches.
- Having changes in appetite.
- Having trouble sleeping or changes in sleep habits.
- Needing to use the toilet often.
- Wetting the bed.
Emotional signs
Emotional signs of stress may include:
- Being distrustful.
- Feeling unloved.
- Not caring about school or friendships.
- Worrying about the future.
Behavioural signs
Behavioural signs of stress may include:
- Acting withdrawn.
- Not wanting to go to school.
- Changes at school, such as with behaviour, grades, or friendships.
- Risky behaviours (usually in older children), such as smoking or using alcohol.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter I324 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About Stress in Children".