Causes and Effects of Stress in Children

Most people figure that stress is something that affects adults only, but these days, with all the pressures put on children, they can suffer from it as well. Stress in children can have some very negative effects and if it continues for a long while, it can be detrimental to a child's health and development.

The stress that children face might not be the same as that experienced by their parents, but it is often over similar causes. When parents are worried about money, for example, their children may also begin to worry about it and since some children are more prone than others to stress, may even begin to do poorly in school or develop health problems due to their anxiety.

Living in an abusive home, whether the abuse is physical, emotional or sexual, can be a major source of chronic stress, as can a traumatic event. Children who have been in accidents or seen a person they love die in a violent manner can be anxious for a long time after the event.

Some stress factors that children face are completely different. Bullies at school, exams, and moving can also be stressful to children. They may not talk about how they feel, but most parents are pretty adept at realizing when their child is not okay. Remedying the situation, however is another matter.

The body reacts to stressful situations by producing adrenaline, which is designed to help us with the fight or flight instinct. The problem is, when this chemical is released into the body long term, on a regular basis, it can cause problems.

Symptoms of too much stress are usually very evident in children, although they might be mistaken for being rebellious or difficult. A child who frequently blows up over nothing may be having problems at school or at home which are causing chronic stress. Another possible sign of stress is jumpiness or nervousness and poor concentration, which may affect schoolwork.

Children who are stressed out may also stop eating or get sick more frequently. The constant adrenaline rush can keep them awake at night and you might notice that your child seems to have insomnia, although she is exhausted. Stomachaches are a common complaint among children suffering from this problem, as are bowel problems and headaches.

Relieving stress might be as simple as talking to a teacher about behavior in the classroom, or it may require the involvement of a therapist who can help the child learn to deal with the overwhelming feelings and find a way to calm himself. A therapist can also help survivors of traumatic events learn to deal with past and move on.

Adults are not the only ones who suffer from stress. Children can also be stressed out, whether from exams or abuse. It is very important that children learn to deal with unavoidable stress and have the avoidable sources of stress removed from their lives.