When talking about National Stress Awareness Month in April, it’s important to mention one large population that many people don’t think of as having anxiety: children.
The Era interviewed two mental health professionals about stress — and both brought up the increasing number of children who are complaining of symptoms associated with the issue.
“We’re at an age now we see 5-year-olds saying, ‘I’m stressed out,’” said Angela N. Chew, LCSW, clinical services director at Dickinson Center Inc.
While many people downplay that statement from a child, saying children don’t understand what they are saying, “I think they do understand,” Chew said.
Mary Anne Polucci Sherman, M.A., a licensed psychologist at Behavioral Health Services at Bradford Regional Medical Center, agreed.
“Stress knows no age boundary,” said Sherman. “Young children are facing anxiety at growing numbers.”
It’s not a mystery why children feel more stress than in past eras.
Chew noted that many children are involved in multiple organized activities, which take a toll.
“It’s hard on them,” said Chew. “We don’t take that down time to recharge. Our brains need a rest to improve, grow and process.”
According to both professionals, children showcase many symptoms, but may not be able to identify it or explain what is happening.
“They don’t have the ability to express themselves,” said Sherman. What they can’t say, they show. “They have much greater presentation than we do.”
According to Sherman, symptoms of stress displayed by children can include diarrhea, nausea or having many fears.
“Children manifest stress differently,” said Chew, who noted that anxiety in children may show itself as stomach complaints, sleep problems, nightmares, clinging to parents or avoiding school.
If a child is displaying one or more of the above symptoms, “You’d want to rule out the medical,” Chew explained. “Maybe start with a pediatrician.”
Once stress is identified in a child, Chew said relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help. She noted that medication is not used as often with children.
