Stress is a natural psychological reaction to changes or pressures in life. Not only adults, children can also fall into a state of stress and anxiety due to many different causes. If not recognized and supported in time, this condition can affect children's emotions, behaviors, and development.
According to Dr. Himani Narula - a development and behavioral pediatrician in New Delhi (India), stress in children can stem from many factors such as changes in living environment, academic pressure, family conflicts, or personal insecurity. For young children, being away from parents, changing living habits, or starting school can also make them feel anxious.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that children are often easily stressed when experiencing new or unexpected things. Family problems such as separation of parents, domestic violence or the death of loved ones are common causes of psychological pressure in young children.
School is also an environment that makes many children stressed. Making new friends, exam pressure, a large amount of homework, or wanting to achieve high results can make children feel overwhelmed. When they grow up, children also face the impact of social networks, social issues, and pressure to integrate with friends.
Experts believe that parents need to pay attention to unusual changes in children's behavior to detect signs of stress early. Some common manifestations include irritability, erratic mood swings, withdrawal, lack of communication, or loss of interest in favorite activities.
In addition, children who are stressed may also experience physical signs such as headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping or changes in eating habits. Some children are often irritable, fussy, or lose focus in their studies, leading to decline in academic performance.
A study published in the Journal of Care Science noted that many stressed children and adolescents have symptoms such as anxiety, rapid heartbeat, fear, sadness, or prolonged fatigue. Researchers believe that the level of stress is related to age, learning environment, and school pressure.
To help children overcome stress, experts recommend that parents create a safe environment for children to share their feelings and thoughts. Listening, chatting gently and not judging can help children feel understood and more secure.
Parents should also maintain stable living habits for children, balancing between studying, playing and resting. Physical activity, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet and time for family all play an important role in reducing stress.
If the child has prolonged symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, insomnia or serious behavioral changes, parents should take the child to the doctor for appropriate psychological support.
