Anxiety and stress in children: Top paediatrician on how to spot symptoms for early intervention

Causes of anxiety in children: Social media, gaming, and watching videos lead to unrealistic exposure, fear-related material, and constant overstimulation exposure for the kids. These could add to the anxiety level in children (Image: Pexels)

Anxiety and stress in children are increasingly recognised as significant issues affecting emotional health, learning, and social development. Many children suffer in silence, unable to express their fear, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. Unfortunately, anxiety is often mistaken for shyness, aloofness, or difficult behaviors, leading to delayed assistance.

Acknowledging stress triggers such as academic pressure, home transitions, social challenges, or health-related worries can provide considerable comfort to both children and parents, according to Dr Poonam Sidana, Director of Neonatology & Paediatrics at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

Symptoms of anxiety and stress in children

Early detection of symptoms like sleep disturbances, withdrawal, excessive fear, or physical complaints is crucial.

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1. Academic pressure

From the fierce competition for top school spots to excessive homework, children face performance pressures from a young age. Social media amplifies these concerns significantly.

2. Emotional overload due to excess screen time

Social media, gaming, and video-watching expose children to unrealistic content, fear-inducing material, and constant overstimulation, leading to increased anxiety levels.

3. Stress from limited outdoor time

Playing outside helps the body release serotonin and endorphins, natural mood boosters. However, as playgrounds shrink and children increasingly rely on technology, they miss out on this natural stress-relief mechanism.

4. Family stress

Children are highly sensitive to their surroundings. Disruptions in parental relationships, financial issues, excessive work hours, and distant parental care can make children feel insecure and anxious.

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5. Unhealthy sleep patterns

Unhealthy sleep habits, lack of daily routines, and poor diet can emotionally affect children, leading to imbalances in their emotional states as they struggle to manage them.

Early symptoms parents should watch for

Nervousness-related physical or behavioral manifestations may include:

Unexplained tummy aches and headaches

Irritability, crying spells, or outbursts

Withdrawal from friends or activities

Difficulty concentrating or agitation

Fear of being alone

Excessive worry about school or family

What parents can do

Create predictability by establishing daily routines, providing a sense of security.

Monitor and control screen usage, especially before bedtime.

Encourage outdoor activities to ensure physical engagement by playing games like "Calm Communication."

Maintain a stress-free environment.

Acknowledge their emotions by listening rather than dismissing their fears.

Use expressive modes like drawing, writing, or talking to help the child express their emotions.

Seek expert help if the problem persists by consulting a child psychologist. With proper care, children can learn to manage their anxiety and develop emotional resilience.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.