The Effects of Stress on Children’s Mental Health
Too much stress has a negative effect on everybody, children more so than others. An excessive toxic amount of stress can impact a child’s development and take a toll on their health. It not only shapes their emotional life as an adult but can affect physical health and longevity as well.
Stress is a normal bodily response. We are hard wired to have stress responses when it comes to survival. A common example is a “flight or fight” response to stressors, where increases adrenaline and cortisol are pumped into your blood stream to help you run faster and fight harder.
The “flight or fight” response is only useful in certain situations. For example, if you run into a bear on a hike, you’ll be very grateful for this body’s natural response. However, if a child is experiencing this much stress on a daily occurrence, it is a toxic amount.
Children are exceedingly vulnerable to excess amounts of stress because their brains and bodies are in critical development periods.
The effects of stress on children:
When a child lives in an environment that induces a toxic amount of stress, the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart problems, cancer and other diseases increase. In addition, when a child reaches their teenage years, there are increases chances of depression, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and domestic violence.
In a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concluded that when a child is raised in a household with abuse, neglect, domestic abuse or dysfunctional families and lacks adequate support from adults, the architecture of their brains changes and their organ systems become weakened. Toxic stress in childhood creates a risk of lifelong health and social issues.
A child’s emotional well-being is directly tied to the functioning of their caregivers, families and the environment in which they live in. When a child grows up in an abuse or neglectful home, they are at risk for developing early mental health problems. On the other hand, when a child grows up with relationships that are reliably supportive, it can actually be a buffer for the adverse effects of stressors. Therefore, in order to reduce the stressors affecting children, addressing the stress on their families is essential.
Signs of stress:
There are physical and emotional symptoms of stress, and each are important in determining if a child is experiencing a toxic amount of stress.
Physical systems can include a decrease in appetite or other changes in eating habits, headaches, bedwetting, nightmares and other sleep disturbances, and upset or vague stomach pains.
Emotional symptoms can include anxiety and worrying, new or recurring fears, clinginess, anger and crying, unable to control their emotions, aggressive behavior, or not wanting to participate in school or family activities.
Children may not be able to recognize when they’re stressed, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye and monitor whether they’re exhibited symptoms of stress.
How parents can help their children manage stress:
1. Talk with your kids
It’s important to learn to listen. Listen to your child without the automatic response of being critical or problem-solving. Work with your child to help them understand and solve what is upsetting them.
2. Play with your kids
Playtime, especially physical playtime, is a significant factor in a child’s development. A lack of play can impact not only physical health, but it can impact cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills and academic performance. Try taking your child outside once a day, whether it’s just in your backyard or a park or hike.
3. Try music lessons
Music has been proven to be a stress-reliever. Playing instruments and creating music can act as a kind of medicine to reduce blood pressure and heartrate, therefore leading to faster recovery from stress. You can try enrolling your child in music lessons, or even just making music a part of your families routine and household. Start playing music while cleaning the house or driving to school.
4. Provide a safe and stable household
Routines in your household and with your family can be comforting to young children. Having a family dinners at night and designated events like game nights or movie nights are a great start in preventing or relieving stress.
If worried that your child, or the child of someone you love, is experiencing a toxic amount of stress, please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
