How to recognize signs of distress in children -Unicef
How to recognize signs of distress in children
Common reactions to stress in children.
Children have different reactions to adverse events in their environment. Culture influences the ways in which we express emotions. In some cultures, for example, it is not appropriate to show strong emotions like crying loudly, while in others it is widely accepted.
Some signs of distress may not be so obvious. Here are some of the signs of distress at different ages. Different children will show different signs of distress.
Did you know? During times of stress and crisis, children will observe adults’ behaviours and emotions for cues on how to manage their own.
Common reactions to stress in children
Many of these reactions only last for a short time, and are normal reactions to stressful events. If these reactions last for a prolonged period of time, the child may need specialist support.
Age
Reaction
0-3 years
Clinging to their caregivers more than normal
Regressing to former (younger) behaviours
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Higher irritability
Increased hyperactivity
More afraid of things
More demanding
More frequent crying
4-6 years
Clinging to adults
Regressing to former (younger) behaviours
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
7-12 years
Becoming withdrawn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
13-17 years (teens)
Intense grief
Shows excessive concern for others
Feelings of guilt and shame
Increasingly defiant of authority
Increased risk taking
Aggression
Self-destructive
Feeling hopeless
All age groups – physical reactions
These may also be signs of physical illness, so please take your child to see a doctor to rule out any physical condition.
Tiredness
Tight chest
Shortness of breath
Dry mouth
Muscle weakness
Stomachache
Dizziness
Shaking
Headaches
General aches
Very serious distress reactions in children if they occur most of the time
Children who demonstrate these signs over a prolonged period of time will need specialist support.
Withdrawn or very quiet with little or no movement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
Emotional check-ins
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an emotionally difficult time for everyone and many children have been greatly affected. You should check in regularly on how your child is feeling. To check-in emotionally is to ask children “how they are” in a direct or indirect way. One check-in method is to ask your child to draw or paint a picture. Ask them to tell you more about the picture, what they have drawn, or why they used a specific colour, for example. This may help some children talk about how they feel, whereas other children may be happy to show the picture without discussion, let the child decide.
Activities to reduce stress and support your child’s well-being
These activities can be done with your child to help reduce stress and provide them with positive coping strategies that support their well-being. These activities are also beneficial for you and can be done with your child together.
Belly breathing
Often when we are stressed our breathing becomes shallow, high in our chests, and we forget to breathe deeply into our bellies, or abdomens. Abdominal breathing is very calming and helps us to draw oxygen deep into our lungs.
How to do it:
Place your hand on your stomach
Take 5 deep breaths, spend 5 seconds breathing in and 5 seconds breathing out, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth
Explain that when your child inhales, they are blowing up their tummy softly like a balloon, and when they exhale the air is going slowly out of the balloon again.
My special place
Sometimes the world around us can feel overwhelming. By taking a moment to imagine being somewhere calm without stress, children can feel less stressed. Here’s an activity to help your child imagine such a place.
How to do it:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and relax
Take several deep slow breaths through your nose and into your belly. Breathe out through your mouth
Keep breathing slowly and softly. Gentle long inhales then gentle long exhales
Listen and follow the story in your mind. Imagine being in the story:
“Imagine that you are standing on a white sandy beach. It’s early in the morning, and everything is quiet. The sun is rising slowly, and you can feel the warm light on your face and your body. You are feeling happy and peaceful. The sand beneath your bare feet is soft and warm. A light breeze strokes your face. The sky is blue and open, and birds are flying and singing above. This place is safe, and you can relax here. This is a place you can always come back to, which is always there, inside your heart. You can visit whenever you want. Now, very gradually, begin to notice your breathing again – the gentle rhythm of inhales and exhales. Notice the feeling of the air on your skin. Very softly begin to wiggle your fingers and toes. Inhale and take a big stretch. Exhale deeply. When you are ready, open your eyes.”
Letter writing
If your child hasn’t been able to see some friends or family members during the pandemic, writing a letter can help them celebrate the relationship with that person even if they are not present.
How to do it:
Ask your child to write a letter or draw a picture for a loved one who they have not seen in a long time
What would you like to say to them if they were sitting with you today?
What do you love about them?
What memories about them make you smile?
