New Delhi, May 14 (IANS). Today’s hectic life, pressure of studies, increasing competition, discord in the family or bad incidents happening around are having a deep impact on the minds of children. Is your child also silently suffering from stress? According to experts, children express stress in different ways. Some symptoms are easily visible, while some remain hidden. By identifying these on time, correct steps can be taken.
According to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), stress symptoms in children vary according to age. If these symptoms persist for a long time, help from a doctor or counselor should be sought.
Symptoms in children aged 0-3 years: – At this age, children become more clingy to their caregivers. Old behaviors such as bedwetting or thumb sucking may return. Changes in sleeping habits, increased irritability, crying, increased restlessness and fear of small things are common symptoms.
Symptoms in 4-6 year old children:- Clinging to elders, returning to old behaviour, disturbances in sleeping and eating, not being able to concentrate, stopping playing, speaking less or being more restless can be signs of stress.
Symptoms in children of 7-12 years:- At this age, children start liking to live alone. Frequent worrying about the impact on others, changes in sleep and eating habits, constant fear, increased anger, loss of memory and physical pain such as headache or stomach ache are common.
Symptoms in teenagers aged 13-17 years: – Symptoms like deep sadness, guilt, embarrassment, disobedience to parents, doing risky activities, self-harm or despair may be seen.
Physical symptoms in children of all ages: Fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dry mouth, stomach ache, headache, trembling and body aches can be caused by stress. These symptoms can also be due to some disease, so definitely get checked by a doctor.
Experts say that if you have serious symptoms, seek immediate help from a doctor like being completely isolated, stopping speaking, constant trembling, aggressive behavior, trying to hurt others or being confused are very serious signs. In such a time, to help a child or person under stress, first do an emotional check-in with the child. Ask them directly or ask them to draw a picture. By talking about pictures children are able to express their feelings easily.
Get some easy activities done to reduce stress-
Stomach breathing: Place the child’s hands on the stomach. Breathe in for 5 seconds (stomach expands like a balloon) and exhale for 5 seconds. Do this 5-10 times daily.
My Special Place: Ask the child to close their eyes and imagine a quiet place. Like a white beach, where there is sunlight, soft sand and light breeze. This imagination calms the child.
Teach children to deal with stress: Give them love, time, and attention. Regular sports, good sleep and a balanced diet also help a lot. If symptoms persist for more than 2-3 weeks, consult a psychologist or child specialist. Do not put any kind of pressure on children.
–IANS
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