Distressful Events and Children's Mental Health
How to Help Children Cope with Traumatic Stress
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Exposure to adverse events can have many negative consequences for children and adolescents. Even those who are not directly exposed to the impact of the adverse event can be distressed due to frequent exposure to photos and footage of these events that they see on the news and on the internet.
Children and young people cope with stress in different ways. They may start to show signs of excessive attachment to parents, anxiety, withdrawal, anger, agitation, etc. That’s why your support and reassurance is very important for them to find ways to get through.
Signs of psychological stress in children often go unnoticed. Accumulated stress over time can also affect the health and behaviour of the child. Learn to recognise the early signs of stress so that you can respond intime and help them.
Signs of distress in children
Signs of psychological stress in children often go unnoticed. Over time, accumulated stress can impact both their health and behavior. It's crucial to recognize these signs early so you can respond appropriately and provide the necessary support.
- Tiredness
- Tight chest
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Muscle weakness
- Stomachache
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Headaches
- General aches
These may also be signs of physical illness, so please take your child to see a doctor to rule out any physical condition.
- Clinging to their caregivers more than normal
- Regressing to former (younger) behaviors
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Higher irritability
- Increased hyperactivity
- More afraid of things
- More demanding
- More frequent crying
- Clinging to adults
- Regressing to former (younger) behaviors
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Higher irritability
- Poorer concentration
- Becoming more Inactive or more hyperactive
- Stop playing
- Take on adult roles
- Stop talking
- More anxious or worried
- Becoming withdrawn
- Frequent concern about others affected
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Increasingly fearful
- Higher irritability
- Frequent aggression
- Restlessness
- Poor memory and concentration
- Physical symptoms/ psychosomatic
- Frequently talks about the event or repetitive play
- Feels guilty or blames themselves
- Intense grief
- Shows excessive concern for others
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Increasingly defiant of authority
- Increased risk taking
- Aggression
- Self-destructive
- Feeling hopeless
- Withdrawn or very quiet with little or no movement
- Hides or shies away from other people
- Does not respond to others, does not speak
- Extreme and constant worry
- Physical symptoms of not feeling well; shaking, headaches, loss of appetite, aches, and pain
- Aggressive, trying to hurt others
- Confused or disoriented
Children who demonstrate these signs over a prolonged period of time will need specialist support.
Talk to your children.
Be attentive to their needs and feelings.
Look after your own emotional well-being as well.
How Parents Can Support Their Children
Adults’ reactions can affect how children react in upsetting situations. Parents can help and support their children by giving them enough space and time to listen to their concerns, being calm and stable, and being attentive to their needs and feelings.
Give them time and attention.
Sometimes it is enough to just let children know that you are there for them, that you understand their needs, and that you are here to hear what they have to say.
Help them maintain routine and healthy habits.
Routine and regular habits are important because they provide a sense of continuity, stability, and security. Support your children in continuing activities that brings structure to their daily lives even in times of stress.
Provide clear explanations.
Children often struggle to comprehend events on their own, including understanding the consequences and any future implications. It is crucial to inform them and offer a clear, understandable explanation of what has happened and what is currently happening. It might also require explaining how it has made you feel.
Be mindful of your own emotions.
Expressing your feelings openly, can demonstrate to children that it is acceptable to show a range of emotions during challenging times, including sadness, anger, fear, or confusion. Ensure your emotions are moderated and carefully explain your reactions, so children do not feel responsible for them.
Allow children to feel sad.
Expressing sadness is a natural and essential part of coping with stress. Avoid telling children to “be brave” or “not cry.” Instead, let them express their emotions in the way that feels most comfortable for.
Listen without judgment.
Children need to express their thoughts and fears without worrying about being judged or dismissed. Allow them to express themselves in the way that feels most comfortable to them.
Discuss their challenges.
Your life experience and knowledge are invaluable to children. Your trust and understanding are crucial in helping them navigate difficult situations and reducing any negative consequences.
Encourage them to return to normal activities.
Motivate them to continue participating in daily family responsibilities to help them feel useful and valued. This will contribute to maintaining a sense of normalcy and continuity within the family.
Be mindful that you may also experience negative reactions to the disturbing event. Take proactive steps to protect yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health.
