FAQs
What is stress?
Stress is our body’s response (physical, psychological, cognitive) to a change in the environment. It is a sign for our body to pay attention to action.
How do I know if my child is stressed?
Following are some of the common signs you can look for to know if your child is stressed:
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Change in sleep and appetite
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Headache
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Bedwetting (not normative to age)
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Stomach ache
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Inability to relax
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Increase in sweating
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Temper tantrums (angry, crying, whining, throwing things, irritation)
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Being unusually stubborn or aggressive
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Absenteeism in school or lack of interest to involve in activities
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Clinging to primary caregiver or being completely withdrawn
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Concentration level is not same as before
What are some common triggers for a child?
Some common stressors for a child:
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Unhealthy/ unsafe home environment
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Schoolwork or grades
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Bullying in school
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Difficulty in managing through multiple tasks
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Financial constraint in family
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Shifting to a new place/ school
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Perception of the child towards on-going physiological changes
What are the short term and long term effects of stress?
Some short-term effects of stress
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Poor performance in school
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Decrease in attention and concentration of the child
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Physical ailments (headache, fatigue, sleep concerns, muscle and chest pain)
Some long-term effects of stress
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More prone to contract diseases/ ailments (decrease in body’s immunity)
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Poor emotional regulation
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Mental health disturbances/ disorders (anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders)
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Disturbances pertaining to executive functioning
What are some ways to deal with stress?
Following are some of the points as a guide to deal with stress:
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Physical exercise
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Healthy diet
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Sleep hygiene
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Having a balanced routine (making time for fun as well as a quiet space)
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Meditation, Yoga, Mindfulness
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Seeking social support (having a social circle)
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Talking it out/ venting out
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Have an outing (going outdoors)
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Write and express
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Engage in art and express