Stress and anxiety

Stress is as much a part of life as any other feeling or emotion. A certain level of stress can be a positive thing that allows us to perform at our best. The big game, a big test or presentation- a healthy level of acute stress releases the hormones that make our brains more alert, our pulse to quicken and our muscles tense.  However, too much stress, particularly chronic stress, tips things over the edge into the negative. 

Behavior that seems out of character for your child may be an indication of stress or anxiety.  Signs of too much stress in children may include:

• acting irritable or moody
• withdrawing from activities that used to give them pleasure
• headaches or stomach aches 
• routinely expressing worries
• complaining more than usual about school
• crying
• displaying surprising fearful reactions 
• clinging to a parent or teacher
• sleeping too much or too little
• eating too much or too little.

For teens, while spending time with peers is typical, pushing back from parents or avoiding long time friendships teens may also be an indicator stress levels are too high. 
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/stress-children.aspx 

My general guide in knowing when something has become a problem is how much it is impacting someone's daily healthy living. Many kids (and adults) exhibit funny or quirky behavior, but if it is not impacting their daily life (or social relationships), it may not need to be addressed. For more information on knowing when stress has gone from beneficial to detrimental in your teen:
https://www.parentmap.com/article/is-your-teen-suffering-from-toxic-stress 

For strategies on how to help your stressed or anxious child or teen:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/renee-jain/9-things-every-parent-with-an-anxious-child-should-try_b_5651006.html  

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2012/06/06/signs-your-child-is-stressed-5-ways-to-help/

https://www.parentmap.com/article/webinar-strategies-to-free-your-kids-from-stress  


For books that may help your anxious child (whether short term or chronic):
Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step by Step Guide for Parents, Rapee, et al (including an online guide for children)http://www.amazon.com/Helping-Anxious-Child-Step---Step/dp/1572245751/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446847906&sr=8-1&keywords=anxious+child

What to do when you worry too much: A kid's guide to overcoming anxiety, Huebner, Dawn http://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441A314.aspx


Lastly, should your child need to talk to someone about their stressors, of course I am here (I see many kids that are feeling stressed). I also have great referrals for outside therapists that can be very helpful as well. 

With the weekend upon us, hopefully our own stress levels will be low and we can all relax. Until next week, take care.