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Signs of stress in kids and teens
Kids and teens who have experienced intense or severe adversity and toxic stress may also be sensitized to other stressors that follow. Their stress responses may be more easily activated, and they may have greater stress responses than peers who haven’t had similar experiences. When our kids may seem to be blowing things out of proportion and overreacting – it’s likely not “all in their head,” and they’re probably not just taking things too personally. Their responses could be because they’re biologically more sensitive to the experience of the stressors that they’re feeling.
When we’ve experienced ACEs, our bodies may continue to make more stress hormones than the average person. Throughout childhood and adolescence, that can look and feel like having trouble sleeping, difficulty focusing on tasks or paying attention and learning, or struggling with self-regulation.
There are other signs we can observe that may mean our child is experiencing stress and could use some extra support. The chart below lists some more ways that stress shows up in kids and teens.
AGE GROUP
POTENTIAL SIGNS OF STRESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
- Fear of being alone
- Bad dreams
- Speech difficulties
- Loss of bladder/bowel control, constipation, bed-wetting
- Change in appetite
- Increased temper tantrums, whining, or clinging behaviors
AGES 6-12
- Irritability, whining, aggressive behavior
- Clinging, nightmares
- Sleep/appetite disturbance
- Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches)
- Withdrawal from peers
- Loss of interest
- Competition for parents’ attention
- Forgetfulness about chores and new information learned in school
TEENS
- Physical symptoms (headaches, rashes, etc.)
- Sleep/appetite disturbance
- Agitation or decrease in energy, apathy
- Ignoring health promotion behaviors
- Isolating from peers and loved ones
- Concerns about stigma and injustices
- Avoiding/skipping school