Our Stressful World: We live in a fast-paced society which produces multiples stressors in our lives. We don’t always notice that these same stressors affect children and teens as well.

The fight-or-flight response, which occurs when our emotional brain perceives danger, once assisted us to take immediate action for self-preservation. Today, the perceived danger may be an argument, a project deadline, or a new situation rather than a physical threat. Our bodies still respond with physiological changes, preparing us to fight or run even though neither action may be useful or appropriate. We’re left feeling tense, “pumped up” and agitated.

Children as well as adults need effective coping skills to keep stress from interfering with school productivity, cooperative relationships, and fun.

How Stress Can Be Harmful: Stress is most problematic when
• Several stressful situations occur simultaneously
• Stress continues for a prolonged time
• Stress isn’t recognized or is ignored
• Nothing is done to neutralize the impact of stress, which can produce physical as well as emotional symptoms

Stress Signals in Kids: Which of the following changes can you identify in your child which may indicate difficulty coping with stress?

• Headaches, stomach aches and other physical complaints for which no medical cause can be found.
• Lower resistance to viruses and infections.
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Crying easily or more frequently.
• Being more clingy and/or demanding.
• Reverting to younger ways of behaving or interacting.
• More easily frustrated or overwhelmed.
• More irritable and prone to outbursts or tantrums.
• Difficulty making routine decisions.
• Easily distracted; difficulty with concentration.
• Lack of enjoyment in usually pleasurable activities.
• Avoid usual tasks, people or situations.