Stress awareness

Two young girls together looking sad. The girl is holding her teddy bear.

Photographs: Unsplash

Text: Monika Pedersen

April is known as ’Stress Awareness Month,’ and its purpose is to raise awareness surrounding stress, its symptoms, and ways to reduce stress. Stress can affect anyone at any age and at any time. It is a serious issue in our society today and, therefore, needs to be addressed proactively and not dismissed as a sign of weakness, for it has serious physical and mental health implications.

Living in a world that is fast-moving, demanding, and full of high expectations, it is little wonder that people are suffering from this condition.

What is stress?

Stress is a feeling felt when life becomes too much of a burden because of workloads, learning commitments, home duties or financial situations, and social pressures. A person's regular equilibrium is tipped, and a sense of anxiety and worry sets in that can overwhelm regular daily functions and one’s performance in life. A person often feels they cannot cope, and a sense of losing control or drowning sets in.

What are the signs?

The symptoms of stress can vary, but they often involve high blood pressure, a racing pulse, headaches, nail biting or twitching, irritability, a sense of nervousness, a feeling of exhaustion, a lackluster approach to life in general, selective mutism, and general malaise. A person no longer feels positive or fresh, but tired, negative, and exhausted. There is a marked change in a person’s demeanour.

What does it look like in a child?

In a young child, stress manifests as moodiness, crying, clinginess, changes in eating habits, increased crying, feelings of unhappiness outside the home, and dissatisfaction at school or other locations. In older children, this can be observed through their decreased focus and limited openness to learning and absorbing new material. It can also indicate a lack of openness and a reluctance to embrace their friends; it appears as if they are shutting down and withdrawing from social interaction.

"It is vitally important to talk to your child and validate their concerns."

A young boy is sitting with his hands covering his face.

What can be done to help?

It is vitally important to talk to your child and validate their concerns. In addition, as it can be hard for young people to express their thoughts clearly, try to pinpoint and name or label the issues causing upset. Continual dialogue is key in helping with this condition.

Moreover, it is essential to provide a little extra love and individual time, even in time-pressed situations, to give your child an extra sense of security. It is also wise to share your child’s emotional state with their class teacher so additional support and care can be given at school.

Ensure that the usual home structures are maintained so that a child feels safe and knows the daily programme. Routines are vital and provide a positive roadmap for uncertain children.

Maintaining a healthy diet is important so that a child receives the needed vitamins and minerals. Additionally, vitamins and supplements can also be beneficial in boosting a child’s immune system. Eating fresh and nutritious food, while avoiding highly calorific foods, helps promote a balanced diet that nourishes both the body and mind.

Plenty of sleep, such as 10 hours per night, is a must, especially for young people. The rest refreshes the internal organs and the mind, supporting a more positive mindset.

Exercise is vital, especially outdoors. Fresh air and movement help decrease one's sense of anxiety. It also stimulates the production of serotonin and endorphins, which are released into the body and help improve an individual’s spirits.

It is also helpful to plan special or favourite activities with a child so there is a high point in each day that brings mental relief. Creative activities, such as arts and crafts, playing a favourite game, or taking a trip to an interesting place or to see something inspirational, also help reduce stress. Family time is important.

Laughter and humour also help alleviate stress. As a parent, try to weave some silliness into a child’s life, as laughter really lifts a child's spirits.

If these tips do not work, it would be wise to seek the advice of a family doctor, who may offer more specialist help.

Moving on from stress

Generally, unless a child is experiencing chronic stress, they can recover from stress and return to a more positive mindset. It may take some time and require patience and perseverance, but it is usually not permanent.