Stress and anxiety don’t just affect adults. Children and teenagers are also affected by today's hectic pace of life. They too must deal with busy schedules, the pursuit of excellence and success, competitiveness, evaluations, etc.

Stress and anxiety are sometimes difficult to detect in children. How can you recognize the signs and help your child regain control of the situation?

A constantly growing trend

For several years now, there has been unanimous agreement that children are more stressed than before. How is this possible? It is a fundamental but complex issue. There are undoubtedly many factors that explain this phenomenon: genetic, environmental, and social factors, overexposure to technology, the pursuit of performance, sedentary lifestyles, overprotective parenting, daily novelty, etc.

As with adults, exposure to chronic stress can be a major mental health issue for young people. It is no wonder that the number of diagnosed cases of depression and anxiety disorders among elementary and secondary school children is on the rise.

What is stress?

Stress is a natural reaction of the human brain to a situation perceived as demanding, new or threatening. In children, this response to stress can be triggered by events that are sometimes destabilizing. Stress can affect a child's well-being, emotional balance and even health.

What can cause stress in a child?

In order to develop properly, a child needs, among other things, support, security, guidance, and reassurance. Many situations can be a source of stress or anxiety, such as:

• Back-to-school;
• Exams;
• Difficulties at school (social or learning problems, bullying, failing grades, school staff, etc.);
• Parents who are divorcing or separating;
• The death of a family member (bereavement);
• The arrival of a little brother or sister;
• A move or change of school;
• A trip or stay abroad;
• A stressful period for parents;
• New eating habits;

How can you help a child manage their stress?

• Encourage your child to talk about what is bothering them, and listen to what they say without judgement. Your attentiveness, kindness, and indulgence will help them feel welcomed and understood, which will contribute to their sense of security.
• Teach your child how to recognize and name their emotions. "I feel worried, stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, etc." Putting words to what you're feeling has a calming effect and can help you find solutions.
• Avoid putting your child under pressure to perform. Your child isn't perfect? This is perfectly normal, and even wonderful! It makes them human. Make them feel accepted and loved, whatever their reactions, behaviours, abilities or achievements.
• If your child seems to be showing signs of anxiety or is having difficulty managing stress, seek the expertise of a qualified professional, such as a psychologist or doctor. Such an approach will enable them to equip themselves with tools that will be useful to them now and perhaps even throughout their entire lives.
• Take an interest in stress management exercises and relaxation techniques. Many of them can be accessible and beneficial to children. There are many books on the subject, some with pictures to help young readers understand.

What are anti-stress activities?

Some activities are particularly beneficial for stress management. These practices can help children regain some control over the situation, calm their bodies, and reduce the impact of stress.

• Reading or playing quiet games;
• Drawing or keeping a diary;
• Yoga or meditation for children;
• Nature walks;
• Breathing or visualization exercises;
• Sports, tailored to the child's age and pace;
• Screen-free relaxation.

How do you manage stress in an autistic child?

Neurodivergent children, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), may experience amplified stress. Transitions, noise, unexpected events and social contact are often triggers. The fear of new things or changes in routine can be particularly challenging. To help them, you can:

• Maintain a predictable, reassuring environment;
• Use visual aids or social stories;
• Work with a social worker or healthcare professional specialized in ASD.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a form of anticipated fear: The child (or adult) imagines that something negative is going to happen, even though there is no immediate danger. It is a more constant emotional state than stress, often accompanied by excessive worries that are difficult to control.

Unlike one-off stress, anxiety in children can set in over time and disrupt their daily lives (sleep, eating, schooling, social life, etc.). It can appear very early, even in very young children.

What are the four most common signs of anxiety in children?

• Excessive and constant worries, often unrelated to reality ("What if you don't come back for me?").
• Avoidance behaviours, such as refusing to go to school or participate in certain activities.
• Persistent physical complaints, such as abdominal pain, nausea or palpitations.
• Hypervigilance or agitation, as if the child were on constant alert.

How can you help a child manage their anxiety?

Age-appropriate tools can help: books, bedtime stories or other useful items to take their mind off things. Support from a specialist can also make a real difference, but first, here are some tips for gently and effectively supporting an anxious child:

• Reassure them with concrete facts: Clarify what is going to happen and answer their questions honestly.
• Practice emotional regulation together: Breathing exercises, guided meditation, relaxation techniques.
• Encourage them to gradually face their fears, rather than avoiding anxiety-provoking situations.
• Give them constant support, with a stable, caring presence.

What are the consequences of stress and anxiety on children?

When frequent or prolonged, stress and anxiety in children can have significant effects on:

• Cognitive development: Concentration problems, impaired memory, disrupted learning;
• Physical health: Weakened the immune system, worsening of illnesses such as asthma or eczema, headaches;
• Mental health: Increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression or fragile self-esteem;
• Socialization: Isolation, difficulty forming bonds or functioning in a group.

How to recognize the signs of anxiety or stress?

In general, children are less well equipped than adults to recognize and express stress and anxiety. This awkwardness sometimes accentuates their discomfort and complicates access to solutions that work. For this reason, it is important for parents to remain attentive in order to detect anxiety or excessive stress in their children, so as to provide them with appropriate support.

What are the signs of stress or anxiety in children?

Stress and anxiety are therefore often difficult to detect. What's more, their impact on a child's well-being, health and quality of life may be underestimated. Their manifestations are extremely varied. However, certain signs may indicate an overload of stress or anxiety: excessive insecurity;

• Excessive insecurity;
• Keeping silent, sulking, or withdrawing into oneself;
• Functioning is compromised;
• Lower academic performance;
• Negative, devaluing or self-deprecating discourse;
• Difficulty paying attention or concentrating;
• Significant changes in appetite;
• Difficulty sleeping;
• Regressive behaviours (e.g., bedwetting, needing light at bedtime, wanting to sleep with parents, etc.);
• Appearance of tics (e.g., blinking, twirling hair, nail biting, etc.);
• Lack of organization;
• Agitation or hyperactivity;
• Anxiety or panic;
• Behavioural problems (e.g., opposition or aggressiveness).

A sudden change in your child's attitude or behaviour may be a sign that something is wrong.

Stress and anxiety are very real problems among children and teenagers, and must be taken seriously. For any questions related to the health of children and adults, your pharmacist is always there to help you and guide you to the best resource to ensure your child's well-being.