Life can be stressful — and many kids may feel stressed about performance at school, traumatic events (such as a pandemic, a natural disaster, or an act of violence), or a life change. Everyone feels stress from time to time.
“Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as struggling with homework or having an illness,” says Angela Haley, LCPC, CCS, clinical director, Inpatient Services for Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “A stressor may be a one-time or short-term occurrence, or it can happen repeatedly over a long time. Anxiety is your body’s reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat.”
Everyone experiences stress, and sometimes that stress can feel overwhelming. Anyone may be at risk for an anxiety disorder if it feels like they can’t manage the stress and if the symptoms of their stress:
• Interfere with everyday life.
• Cause that person to avoid doing things.
• Seem to be always present.
Learning what causes or triggers stress and what coping techniques work can help reduce anxiety and improve daily life. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for that individual. Here are some activities anyone can try when they start to feel overwhelmed:
• Identify and challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts.
• Keep a journal – but be mindful that you’re not just reinforcing negative thinking as you write.
• Download an app that provides relaxation exercises (such as deep breathing or visualization) or tips for practicing mindfulness which can help in actively paying attention and being present in the moment.
• Exercise – even a few minutes a day can contribute to decreased stress, and make sure to eat healthy, regular meals.
• Stick to a sleep routine, and make sure that individual is getting enough sleep.
• Avoid drinking excess caffeine such as soft drinks or coffee.
• Reach out to friends or family members who help you cope in a positive way.
Recognize when more help is needed:
If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, or the symptoms of the stress or anxiety won’t go away, it may be time to talk to a professional. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, and medication are the two main treatments for anxiety, and many people benefit from a combination of the two. Contact that person’s primary care physician to discuss how they’re feeling and request a referral to a counselor or other behavioral health professional.
